Founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank and chairman of Anap Foundation, Atedo Peterside, has criticised the continued detention of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El Rufai without being formally charged in court.
Peterside expressed his concern in a post shared on the social media platform X where he accused several government agencies of violating the Nigerian Constitution. According to him agencies such as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, the Department of State Services, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission appear to be acting together in a way that undermines the rule of law.
He said many Nigerians have watched the development with disbelief as respected institutions seem to be involved in detaining a political figure without formally presenting charges before a court of law. Peterside argued that such actions contradict both the spirit and the letter of the Nigerian Constitution which guarantees the rights of citizens.
Despite previously disagreeing with El Rufai on political matters Peterside said his criticism was based on principle rather than personal loyalty. He recalled that he openly opposed the 2019 detention of Ibrahim El Zakzaky during El Rufai tenure as governor.
According to him standing against injustice must remain consistent regardless of personal or political differences. He insisted that two wrongs cannot correct another wrong and that respect for legal processes must be upheld.
Peterside also pointed out that he had spoken out in the past when other prominent Nigerians were detained including MKO Abiola, former president Olusegun Obasanjo, lawyer Dele Farotimi, and activist Omoyele Sowore.
Meanwhile El Rufai has rejected allegations linked to the investigation against him and insisted that the probe is politically motivated.
The controversy has sparked debate among Nigerians about the rule of law human rights and the role of security agencies in political matters.
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