Nasir El‑Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, has accused the state’s Commissioner of Police of violating the constitution. His allegation follows a summons issued to him and seven members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for questioning. The police command had previously blocked a scheduled ADC meeting in the state, and the summons accuses El‑Rufai and the ADC members of criminal conspiracy, incitement of public disturbance, mischief and causing grievous hurt. The police have asked the ADC chairman to produce El‑Rufai and the others at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on 8 September.
In response, El‑Rufai held a press conference at his private residence in Kaduna, condemning the police command’s actions. He asserted that the Commissioner of Police is aware that the measures taken contravene the constitution. El‑Rufai also disputed the claim that a court order had been served, arguing that even if such an order existed, it must be legally delivered before it can take effect. He emphasized that no court order had been served and that he and the ADC members would challenge any such order in court. Describing the episode as a “dangerous descent into lawlessness,” he warned that further steps would be taken.
The incident has raised concerns about freedom of assembly and the role of law enforcement in Nigeria. The ADC had planned to hold a meeting in Kaduna, but the police prevented the event. The party’s activities in the state have now sparked tensions with the authorities. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the police command and the ADC will proceed and what implications this may have for political freedom and the rule of law in Nigeria.
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