El-Rufai's release needs court order - Adeyanju tells ICPC

Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju has stated that former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai's temporary release from ICPC custody to attend his mother's burial is a humane and commendable act, but it must be backed by a proper court order. Adeyanju emphasized that since El-Rufai was initially remanded by a court directive, any subsequent release requires corresponding judicial approval to maintain legal integrity.

He clarified that such compassionate measures should not be perceived as undermining accountability. Instead, they represent a necessary balance between upholding the rule of law and respecting fundamental human dignity. Adeyanju praised the authorities for demonstrating empathy while adhering to due process, noting that bail—whether administrative or judicial—is a lawful accommodation in deserving circumstances, not an escape from accountability.

This situation highlights a key principle in Nigeria's legal system: even for high-profile individuals, procedural correctness remains paramount. The ICPC's action, while empathetic, must align with judicial oversight to preserve public trust in anti-corruption agencies. The broader issue remains whether temporary releases on compassionate grounds should become a consistent standard or remain discretionary.

Does showing empathy in high-profile corruption cases strengthen or weaken the rule of law in Nigeria?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/03/28/el-rufais-release-should-be-backed-by-court-order-adeyanju-to-icpc/