By Michael Ofolue, Osogbo
The Centre for Community Development and Civic Enlightenment (CCDCE), has expressed concern over the alleged violation of the fundamental human rights of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, calling on the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to ensure he is granted fair bail conditions and unrestricted access to medical treatment while facing trial.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Sikiru Balogun, the civil society organisation said reports alleging that El-Rufai had been denied prompt and adequate medical attention while in custody raised serious constitutional and human rights concerns requiring urgent intervention.
According to the organisation, every Nigerian, irrespective of political affiliation or previous public office, deserves equal protection under the law and should not be subjected to arbitrary treatment capable of undermining the country’s democratic and judicial institutions.
The group argued that if the constitutional rights of a former governor and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) could allegedly be disregarded, it raised troubling questions about the protection available to ordinary citizens who lack influence or public visibility.
CCDCE said the development called into question the long-held belief that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man, stressing that confidence in Nigeria’s justice system could only be sustained where constitutional safeguards are respected at every stage of criminal proceedings.
“As a civil society organisation dedicated to the promotion of human rights, constitutional democracy, the rule of law and good governance, we are highly disturbed by reports indicating that Mallam El-Rufai continues to remain in detention despite his status as a former governor and former minister, which ordinarily should have earned him bail on self-recognition,” the statement read.
The organisation added that although the reports remained allegations, they deserved immediate attention because they touched on issues of personal liberty, human dignity and access to healthcare, all of which are guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
CCDCE noted that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to personal liberty, the dignity of the human person, fair hearing and access to necessary medical care while in lawful custody.
It further observed that these protections are reinforced by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory.
While insisting that nobody should enjoy immunity from lawful prosecution, the organisation stressed that adherence to due process remains essential in any democratic society.
The group maintained that El-Rufai, like every other Nigerian, must answer any criminal allegations brought against him in accordance with the law, but such prosecution should never become an avenue for violating constitutionally guaranteed rights.
According to CCDCE, the corruption allegations reportedly being prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, as well as allegations relating to unlawful wiretapping involving the National Security Adviser, are serious matters that deserve proper judicial determination.
However, it argued that any investigation or prosecution by the Department of State Services or other law enforcement agencies must strictly comply with established legal procedures and constitutional safeguards.
The organisation warned against actions that could create the impression of selective justice or political intimidation, saying the credibility of anti-corruption efforts depends largely on fairness, transparency and strict observance of the rule of law.
CCDCE therefore called on all authorities involved in the case to ensure full compliance with constitutional provisions governing arrest, detention, bail, fair hearing and access to legal representation.
The group specifically urged the court and relevant authorities to review what it described as the existing bail conditions imposed on the former governor, arguing that a more reasonable arrangement would enable him to maintain regular contact with his family while receiving adequate and timely medical attention without obstructing the course of justice.
According to the organisation, granting fair bail conditions would not amount to interference with the judicial process but would instead demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to justice, fairness and respect for human rights.
The group added that ensuring El-Rufai receives appropriate medical care while standing trial would strengthen public confidence in the nation’s justice system and help dispel growing allegations in some quarters that his prosecution is politically motivated.
CCDCE concluded by urging the Federal Government, the judiciary and all relevant institutions to uphold the principles of constitutional democracy and the rule of law by ensuring that every accused person, regardless of political status or public perception, enjoys the rights guaranteed under the Constitution until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.