By Our Correspondent

National News – Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged a coordinated plot to implicate him in criminal activities and prevent his release on bail.

Speaking through his media adviser on Sunday, El-Rufai claimed that certain actors are working behind the scenes to damage his reputation and ensure his continued detention.

The allegation comes ahead of his scheduled court appearance on Tuesday, April 21, when the Kaduna State High Court is expected to rule on his bail application.

El-Rufai stated that the situation began on February 12, 2026, when he reportedly faced a plan to arrest him upon arrival at Abuja Airport from Cairo.

He further explained that he honored an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16, after which he was detained and later transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on February 18.

According to him, these actions reflect a pattern aimed at undermining his rights.

The former governor also denied allegations linking him to an attack on a key witness, Mohammed Umar Karage.

A recent report suggested that gunmen invaded the witness’s residence, possibly to silence him.

El-Rufai dismissed the claims as false and defamatory, insisting he had no involvement in the incident.

He added that the publication was intended to weaken his bail chances and tarnish his public image.

El-Rufai emphasized that he has directed his legal team to initiate defamation proceedings against the newspaper responsible for the report.

He maintained his innocence, stating that he has consistently been subjected to unjust accusations since leaving office in 2023.

He called for adherence to due process and the rule of law, urging authorities to respect his constitutional rights.

El-Rufai warned against what he described as the weaponization of legal processes, stressing that justice must be fair, transparent, and free from political influence.