El-Rufai Under Fire: Rights Group Demands Ex-Governor Obey Police Summons

Mikayla Ludawa

The Human Rights Alliance of Nigeria (HRAN) has issued a scathing rebuke of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, demanding that he immediately honour the invitation extended to him by the Kaduna State Police Command in the interest of upholding the rule of law.

The Command had reportedly summoned El-Rufai alongside six top members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over alleged conspiracy, incitement, mischief, and disturbance of public peace in the state.

The rights group, however, expressed outrage that instead of submitting himself to the authorities, El-Rufai chose to lodge a petition against the state’s Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, accusing him of “unprofessional conduct, abuse of office, and serial violations.”

In a strongly worded statement signed by its spokesperson, Abraham Tar, HRAN described El-Rufai’s actions as arrogant and contemptuous of constituted authority, insisting that such conduct was unbecoming of a former governor and a man who once wielded significant public trust.

“We are saddened that instead of honouring the invitation, he decided to petition the Police Service Commission, an act that undermines the principles of accountability and respect for the law,” the group said.

The group recalled that several former governors in Nigeria, including Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, Attahiru Bafarawa of Sokoto State, and Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, had previously honoured police invitations without hesitation.

“Since others before him have submitted themselves to investigation when invited, there is no reason why El-Rufai should act differently,” HRAN added.

The rights group further warned that political leaders who trample on the authority of the police send dangerous signals to ordinary citizens, thereby weakening Nigeria’s democratic institutions. It urged leaders across the country to set positive examples by demonstrating humility and respect for due process.

According to HRAN, El-Rufai’s refusal to comply is not just a personal affront to the police command but also a brazen assault on the rule of law in Nigeria.