Former spokesman of the All Progressives Congress, Comrade Timi Frank, has raised concerns over an alleged plan by some intelligence operatives to arrest former Nasir el-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday.
In a statement released early Monday, Frank said he received information from sources claiming the operatives could attempt to detain el-Rufai during his appearance before Justice M.B. Idris of the Federal High Court.
“Pursuant to what appears to be a grand plan by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to politically eliminate Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, I have been reliably informed that plans have allegedly been concluded … to forcefully take him into custody today from the Federal High Court, Abuja, where he is meant to appear,” Frank said.
He claimed such action would go against existing court orders directing that el-Rufai remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission pending the court’s decision on the matter. Frank also alleged that security operatives met the previous night to conclude plans for the operation.
Frank further expressed concern that if attempts to silence el-Rufai were unsuccessful, authorities might resort to keeping the former governor in detention until after the 2027 elections.
He also stated that it was disappointing that Uba Sani, once regarded as a civil rights activist, now appeared linked to actions many viewed as contrary to the rule of law.
The political activist, who serves as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, warned that any move to remove el-Rufai from the court premises against existing court orders would undermine the rule of law. He urged civil society organisations, northern leaders, religious groups, and the international community to pay close attention to the situation.
“This is the time for Nigerians, northern leaders, civil society groups, religious leaders, and all lovers of justice and democracy to rise in one voice against oppression and selective justice,” he said.
Frank referenced German pastor Martin Niemöller’s warning about remaining silent in the face of injustice and questioned whether el-Rufai was being unfairly targeted compared to other former governors under investigation.
While reaffirming his support for anti-corruption efforts, Frank maintained that such actions must follow due process and remain free from political bias.
“If anything happens to el-Rufai, Governor Uba Sani and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must be held responsible. The President, the security agencies, and the Kaduna State Government must remember that power is transient and nothing lasts forever,” he declared.
