By Our Correspondent

National News – Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called for the immediate release of Nasir El-Rufai ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, describing the former Kaduna governor’s detention as unfair and politically troubling.

Atiku made the demand on Friday through a statement issued by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu.

He said keeping El-Rufai in custody during an important Islamic celebration was cruel and against democratic principles.

The former vice-president warned authorities against using state institutions to intimidate political opponents.

According to Atiku, Eid-el-Kabir is a period of mercy, forgiveness, family reunion and compassion for Muslims worldwide.

He stressed that denying El-Rufai the chance to celebrate with his family without clear justification raises concerns about political persecution and abuse of power.

The former Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate said every Nigerian citizen deserves constitutional protection, including the right to liberty, dignity and fair legal treatment.

He added that democracy should not be used as a tool for political revenge or selective justice.

Atiku also urged the Federal Government and Kaduna State authorities to be transparent if El-Rufai’s detention is strictly based on legal procedures.

He noted that the credibility of democracy depends on how perceived opponents are treated, not only loyal supporters.

The call came days after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission confirmed that a Federal High Court in Kaduna granted El-Rufai access to medical treatment while in custody.

The ruling followed an application by his defence team during ongoing proceedings.

El-Rufai and his co-defendant, Joel Adoga, are currently facing a 10-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering, corruption and possession of proceeds of crime under the Money Laundering Act, 2022.

Both men pleaded not guilty before the Federal High Court in Kaduna.