The Coalition Political Action Committee has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to either file formal charges against Nasir El-Rufai or release him immediately, warning that any continued detention beyond the legally permitted period would violate the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights law.

COPAC made the statement through its convener, Aminu Datti-Ahmed, in Abuja on Sunday, emphasising that the rule of law cannot be suspended for political convenience.

El-Rufai voluntarily responded to an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16 and remained in custody until the night of February 18, after which he was transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission for further investigation into alleged financial misconduct and related offences.

Since then, he has remained in detention.

COPAC stressed that investigative detention is strictly temporary and must either lead to formal charges before a competent court or be immediately released within a reasonable timeframe.

“The 14-day remand order obtained in the case involving Nasir El-Rufai has expired. That order was granted for a specific and limited purpose: to allow investigators to complete their work within a defined constitutional window. It was not a licence for indefinite detention, procedural manipulation, or political theatre,” COPAC stated.

The coalition cited Section 35 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, noting that the liberty of every citizen is legally protected. It warned that any action outside these legal options would be illegal and unconstitutional, rendering continued detention an abuse of state power and a violation of citizens’ constitutional rights.

COPAC also expressed concern over a growing trend in Nigeria where state institutions allegedly use investigative powers selectively against political figures.

It referenced international human rights law, including Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which prohibit arbitrary arrest and detention.

The coalition further called on opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Aminu Tambuwal, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, along with all democratic actors, to speak out against any harassment or clampdown on opposition figures.

“This is not about El-Rufai. It is about ensuring the law applies equally to all. The Constitution is not optional, and the rule of law must never become a selective weapon,” COPAC warned.

The coalition concluded by urging the federal government to either press charges if there is evidence or immediately release El-Rufai, reinforcing that Nigeria is a constitutional democracy, not a police state. (The PUNCH)