Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, has alleged that the state’s Commissioner of Police has acted in contravention of the constitution. The accusation stems from a summon issued to El-Rufai and seven members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for questioning. The police command had previously prevented a scheduled meeting of the ADC from taking place in the state.
According to the summon, El-Rufai and the ADC members are accused of criminal conspiracy, incitement of public disturbance, mischief, and causing grievous hurt. The police have requested that the ADC Chairman produce El-Rufai and the other individuals at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on September 8.
In response, El-Rufai held a press conference at his private residence in Kaduna, where he condemned the actions of the police command. He stated that the Commissioner of Police is aware that his actions violate the constitution. El-Rufai also disputed the claim that a court order had been served, saying that even if such an order existed, it would need to be legally delivered before it could take effect.
El-Rufai emphasized that the alleged court order was not served and that he and the ADC members would contest any such order in court. He described the situation as a “dangerous descent into lawlessness” and indicated that further steps would be taken. The incident has raised concerns about the freedom of assembly and the role of law enforcement in Nigeria.
The African Democratic Congress had planned to hold a meeting in Kaduna, but the event was prevented by the police. The party and its members have been involved in various political activities in the state, and the recent incident has sparked tensions between the party and 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.
