Detention without probe must end – El-Rufai tells FG

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has criticised what he described as the growing culture of unlawful detention in Nigeria, warning that the practice undermines democracy and erodes public trust in government.

El-Rufai spoke on Thursday at the 23rd Annual Trust Dialogue held at the Nigerian Air Force Conference Centre, Kado, Abuja.

He stressed that the justice system should serve to protect citizens rather than instil fear in them.

“The law should protect citizens, not terrify them like what is happening in Nigeria. Detention without enforcement must end,” El-Rufai said.

He argued that the continued holding of individuals without due process violates fundamental human rights and contradicts the principles of the rule of law enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

The ex-governor said no society can thrive where security agencies operate outside legal boundaries, adding that the misuse of state power to intimidate or suppress citizens weakens democratic institutions.(Daily trust)