Timi Frank Calls for Due Process and Release of Detained Ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai

Timi Frank urged authorities to uphold due process and immediately release former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai so he can prepare his defence. He appealed to northern elders, youths, and a broad coalition of Nigerian and international actors to intervene.

Timi Frank, former deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress, released a statement on Friday regarding the detention of Nasir El-Rufai by the Department of State Services. He said El-Rufai presented himself to security agents upon his return from Egypt and stressed that anti‑corruption efforts must obey the rule of law. Frank argued that the former governor’s constitutional rights should be protected and that he must be allowed adequate time to prepare his defence. He added that any proceeding against El‑Rufai must be transparent, professional, and guided by justice and accountability.

Frank declared that while he supports the fight against corruption, fairness, justice, rule of law, and due process must never be compromised under any circumstance. He urged northern elders and youths not to stay passive if any harm comes to El‑Rufai, calling on them to speak out and act. He called on a wide range of Nigerian institutions—including the Nigerian Bar Association, religious leaders, traditional rulers—and the international community to demand El‑Rufai’s immediate release so he can prepare his case.

The statement reflects a growing concern that security detentions may bypass procedural safeguards in Nigeria’s anti‑corruption drive. By invoking a broad coalition of societal actors, Frank seeks to create pressure that transcends partisan lines and emphasizes legal norms. Legal experts note that upholding due process in high‑profile cases helps maintain public trust in the justice system. Observers warn that failure to respect these principles could fuel perceptions of politicised enforcement and deepen north‑south tensions.

Whether the Department of State Services issues a public update on El‑Rufai’s status or allows access to legal counsel in the coming days. If any court applications for bail or judicial review are filed, they will test the balance between security measures and constitutional rights. Public reaction from northern elders, youths, and civil society groups will indicate how far Frank’s appeal resonates across the country.