Speaking on behalf of the Action Democratic Party (ADC), condemned the detention of Nasser El-Rufai, calling for his immediate release and alleging political persecution.
Okonkwo argued that the government lacks the legal authority to detain individuals indefinitely without granting bail. “The whole idea of arrest is that an investigation has concluded and the person is found culpable for a crime,” they said. “In criminal proceedings, it is the duty of the prosecution to prove the suspect’s guilt, not for the suspect to defend his innocence.”
While insisting that El-Rufai should still face trial if charged, Okonkwo emphasized that his fundamental human rights must be guaranteed. He claimed El-Rufai is being targeted because of his association with ADC, saying, “We are not exculpating anybody, but it is the court of law that should decide, not the gulag of President Tinubu.”
On the involvement of President Bola Tinubu, Okonkwo said: “He is the commander-in-chief. ICPC, EFCC, DSS they are agencies of government. Anything these agencies do, the buck stops at his table.” He accused the president of using anti-corruption agencies to intimidate political opponents.
Okonkwo reiterated that any detention without trial for non-capital offenses is unconstitutional and illegal. “If El-Rufai committed a crime, bring him to trial and grant him bail. If convicted, fine. But nobody should be detained indefinitely without due process,” they said.
The interview concluded with a warning that the current administration’s claims of democratic governance are being contradicted by such actions.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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