Lawyers Petition International Bodies Over Alleged Persecution of El-Rufai
A group of lawyers acting on behalf of several Nigerian citizens has petitioned international organisations and diplomatic missions over what they described as the alleged political persecution and prolonged detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
In a letter dated March 2, 2026, and signed by Moses Eveshorase Balogun on behalf of B.B. Michika & Associates, the legal firm called on international bodies to urgently intervene in the matter, claiming that El-Rufaiβs fundamental rights are being violated.
The petition was addressed to several organisations including the United States Embassy, the British High Commission, the European Union, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the United Nations Human Rights Council, the ECOWAS Court of Justice, the Nigerian Bar Association, the National Peace Committee, the Christian Association of Nigeria, JIBWIS, the National Human Rights Commission and other global human rights organisations.
According to the letter, the lawyers said they were acting on the instructions of Ahmed Abubakar Goringo, Mohammed Salihu Shabba, Dr. Uche Diala, Honourable Tayo Agbaje, Adugwu Philip, Ibrahim Garba Wala, Ambassador Chris Sunday George and Ifeanyi Obaigwu.
The petition alleged that El-Rufai, described as a prominent opposition figure and outspoken critic of the current federal leadership, has been subjected to multiple investigations, prolonged detention, denial of bail and repeated summons by government agencies.
The lawyers argued that while public officials should be held accountable, the pattern of actions taken against the former governor raises concerns about fairness, neutrality and adherence to constitutional safeguards.
They claimed the situation could amount to violations of Section 35 of the Nigerian Constitution which guarantees the right to personal liberty, Section 36 which guarantees the right to fair hearing, as well as Articles 6 and 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoplesβ Rights and provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights against arbitrary detention.
The petition further warned that if the alleged harassment of a leading opposition figure is not addressed, it could weaken democratic institutions and revive practices aimed at silencing dissenting voices.
The lawyers urged the international bodies to monitor the actions of Nigerian authorities in relation to the case, engage with the government to ensure protection of fundamental rights, and push for an open judicial review of any alleged infringements.
They also called for public statements from the organisations in support of due process in politically sensitive cases.
The petitioners stressed that their request was not aimed at shielding anyone from lawful scrutiny, but rather to ensure that the rule of law and constitutional protections are upheld.
