“He Should Face Legal Accountability” – Odinkalu on El-Rufai’s Actions

Human rights activist and lawyer Professor Chidi Odinkalu has called on former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai to answer for actions taken during his tenure.

El-Rufai, who previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, is currently in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the agency confirmed on Thursday. His arrest follows his release on bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and subsequent handover by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Speaking to Channels TV, Odinkalu criticized El-Rufai’s record in office, highlighting what he described as impunity, recklessness, and brutality toward critics and opponents.

“Every citizen deserves due process, and no one should be above the law. El-Rufai’s actions warrant legal accountability,” Odinkalu said. He cited specific incidents, including the deaths of Dr. Rafael Galadima and other victims of abduction, land expropriation, demolition of opponents’ properties, and the reorganization of communities that disadvantaged non-Muslim residents.

Odinkalu also noted the political context, questioning El-Rufai’s complaints given his active role in supporting the current government. “He was one of the principal campaigners for the administration now prosecuting him,” Odinkalu said, referencing El-Rufai’s involvement in President Bola Tinubu’s campaign and international engagements alongside him.

The activist emphasized that legal processes should apply equally, regardless of political standing or past influence, and urged El-Rufai to confront the consequences of his tenure in Kaduna State.