HURMA DEMANDS RELEASE OF MALLAM NASIR EL-RUFAI, CONDEMNS ALLEGED VIOLATION OF HIS FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS – Rights Monitors

Ads

Ads

The Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA), a foremost civil society organization dedicated to the promotion of human rights, constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and good governance, strongly condemns the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and demands his immediate release.

Ads

Ads

HURMA is deeply disturbed by reports to its office indicating that Mallam El-Rufai has continued to remain in custody despite concerns over his deteriorating health and alleged denial of prompt and adequate medical attention.

According to the Executive Director of HURMA, Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak, threat to serious fundamental human rights that call for urgent attention reflect in the reports, if confirmed authentic.

Ads

Ads

“If these reports are accurate, they raise serious constitutional and human rights concerns and call for urgent intervention by the relevant authorities” he said.

“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to personal liberty, dignity of the human person, fair hearing, and access to necessary medical care while in custody. These rights are further protected under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a party” he added.

“While HURMA firmly maintains that no individual is above the law, we equally insist that no Nigerian should be subjected to arbitrary detention, selective justice, political intimidation, or treatment that undermines his or her constitutional rights. The fight against corruption or the prosecution of any alleged offence must never become a justification for violating fundamental human rights.”

Ads

HURMA in view of the foregoing, demands the following:

1. The release of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai where there is no lawful and compelling judicial basis for his continued detention.
2. Immediate and unrestricted access to qualified medical personnel and appropriate healthcare to safeguard his life and well-being.
3. Strict compliance with all constitutional safeguards relating to arrest, detention, bail, fair hearing, and due process.
4. An end to any action capable of creating the impression that state institutions are being deployed for political persecution or intimidation.

HURMA believes that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done. The credibility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions depends on their impartiality, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law. Any departure from these principles erodes public confidence in the justice system and weakens democratic governance.

Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and a two-term Governor of Kaduna State. His legal rights, like those of every Nigerian, must be protected irrespective of political differences or public opinion. The constitutional presumption of innocence remains applicable until otherwise determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Accordingly, HURMA calls on all relevant security agencies, prosecuting authorities, and other institutions of government to respect the Constitution, uphold the rule of law, protect the dignity of every detainee, and ensure that justice is administered fairly, transparently, and without discrimination.

In conclusion, Comrade Buna Isiak maintained that HURMA shall continue to monitor developments closely and will not relent in defending the constitutional and fundamental human rights of all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, or social status.

Ads