Asia Ahmad El-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has appealed to the international community to intervene over what she described as her husband’s prolonged detention, arguing that it amounts to “punishment before trial” and threatens Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
In a public statement marking what she described as the 150th day of El-Rufai’s detention, Asia said she was speaking as a wife, mother and concerned Nigerian, urging the country to uphold justice and due process.
She said the prolonged detention had taken a heavy emotional toll on the family, describing months of separation, missed family moments, interrupted medical care and the inability to properly mourn the loss of his mother.
While acknowledging that her husband has remained a controversial political figure throughout his years in public service, Asia maintained that public scrutiny should not replace the constitutional right to a fair trial.
She alleged that El-Rufai’s ordeal began with the seizure of his passport and the assault of one of his aides before he voluntarily honoured an invitation from security authorities, after which he was detained despite assurances that he would be granted bail.
Asia also claimed that the former governor suffered serious health complications while in custody and expressed concern over what she described as delays in providing him with adequate medical attention.
According to her, the legal proceedings against El-Rufai have been characterised by multiple charges filed in different courts, overlapping allegations and bail conditions she described as difficult to satisfy, arguing that the process has effectively become a form of punishment before any court has determined his guilt.
She insisted that no public official should be above the law but stressed that investigations and prosecutions must be conducted fairly, transparently and without political interference.
Asia further expressed concerns that legal institutions could be used to target political opponents, arguing that anti-corruption efforts should not be transformed into instruments of political retaliation.
She also referenced the cases of other individuals whom she claimed had experienced prolonged detention and difficult bail conditions, saying the situation extends beyond her husband’s case.
Appealing to foreign governments, international organisations and human rights groups, Asia called for close monitoring of the proceedings, urging them to advocate for transparent trials, humane detention conditions, access to medical care and respect for due process.
She also urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the judicial process remains fair and impartial, saying the case represents a broader test of Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence and democratic principles.
