Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has appealed to United States President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron to pay attention to his detention and concerns over his right to a fair trial.
El-Rufai, who has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) since February 2026, said he was not seeking special treatment but wanted his fundamental rights and due process to be respected.
In his appeal, the former governor called for international attention to his situation, maintaining that a fair trial should be guaranteed regardless of an individual’s political position or the allegations against them.
His appeal comes amid several legal battles involving Nigerian security and anti-corruption agencies.
El-Rufai’s legal troubles
The former governor is facing corruption-related proceedings initiated by the ICPC in Kaduna, as well as a separate case brought by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations of unlawful interception of telephone communications linked to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
El-Rufai has denied wrongdoing in the phone-interception case. On October 26, 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed his no-case submission, ruling that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence for him to be required to enter his defence, should he choose to do so.
The ruling does not amount to a conviction, and the allegations remain subject to the judicial process.
His continued detention has also prompted legal challenges by the former governor, who has filed fundamental rights suits against authorities over issues including the search of his Abuja residence and alleged restrictions on access to family members.
Calls for due process
El-Rufai’s appeal to Trump and Macron places renewed attention on his demand for a fair hearing and respect for his rights while in custody.
The former governor has maintained that he should be treated in accordance with the law, while the relevant authorities have defended aspects of the legal proceedings and his detention.
The cases against him are continuing through the courts, where the allegations are expected to be determined based on the evidence and applicable law.
