Kaduna Youths Stage Protest Over El-Rufai's Arrest, Detention
- Youth groups in Kaduna staged protests demanding the release of former governor Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai
- The demonstration followed the denial of bail after his arrest by the ICPC
- Protest leaders warned of further action, including a planned mass rally in Abuja
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Legit.ng Journalist Muslim Muhammad Yusuf is a 2025 Wole Soyinka Award winner, with over 8 years of experience in investigative reporting, human rights, politics, governance, and accountability in Nigeria.
Youth groups in Kaduna State on Wednesday staged coordinated protests across parts of the state over the continued detention of former governor Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai, calling for his immediate release.
The demonstrators, drawn from various communities, converged on key locations within Kaduna metropolis and in parts of Southern Kaduna.
Source: UGC
The youths chanted solidarity songs and displayed placards bearing messages such as “Free El-Rufai Now”, “Justice for Our Leader”, and “Kaduna Demands Governance, not Revenge.”
As reported by Daily Trust, women, youths and adults were seen participating in the rallies.
The protest comes on the heels of the denial of bail to the former governor following his arrest by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC).
Protesters allege political motive
Addressing supporters during the protest, a leader of the Arewa Youth Movement, Ibrahim Modibbo Sanusi, described El-Rufai’s continued detention as unjust and politically driven.
He said the gathering was meant to express dissatisfaction over what he termed prolonged incarceration.
The group demanded the former governor’s unconditional release, insisting that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.
Sanusi warned that if authorities fail to respond to their demands, the youths may intensify their actions within the confines of the law.
He disclosed plans to mobilise a one-million-man march in Abuja should the situation remain unchanged.
Source: Twitter
Southern Kaduna youths join demonstration
He added that youths in Southern Kaduna also held a peaceful solidarity protest in Kafanchan, headquarters of Jema’a Local Government Area, in support of the former governor.
In Kaduna metropolis, protesters gathered around the Western Bypass, a major economic corridor, temporarily slowing traffic.
Security personnel were deployed to monitor the situation and ensure the demonstration did not escalate into violence.
Court takes action on El-Rufai's case
Legit.ng earlier reported that a Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the hearing of the suit involving the DSS and the former governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai.
The secret police had filed a three-count charge against the former governor on the allegation that he was wiretapping the telephone conversation of the NSA.
El-Rufai had, in an interview, claimed that he listened to the television conversation and accused the NSA of ordering his arrest.
ICPC denies El-Rufai bail move
Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has reportedly been denied a bail application by the ICPC, as a media aide gave an updated development on the matter.
The legal team of the former governor was said to have applied for bail for the former governor, but the anti-graft agency reportedly did not respond to the letter.
The continued detainment of El-Rufai has continued to raise concerns among the legal team and the family of the former governor.
Source: Legit.ng
