By Achile Danjuma
Atedo Peterside, the founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc and Anap Foundation, has criticized the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, by federal anti-corruption agencies without formal charges.
In a strongly worded statement shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, Peterside accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of jointly violating the Nigerian Constitution.
“Some of us have watched in disbelief as Government Agencies that we respected, such as the ICPC, DSS, and EFCC, appear to have conspired to hold Malam Nasir El-Rufai without charging him to Court, thereby violating the spirit and letter of the Nigerian Constitution,” Peterside wrote.
Acknowledging his past disagreements with the former governor, Peterside referenced the 2019 detention of Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), during El-Rufai’s tenure. Despite these differences, Peterside maintained that his commitment to justice remains unwavering.
“Even though I disagreed with El-Rufai as Kaduna State Governor over El-Zakzaky’s 2019 detention, I will still speak out against those ill-treating him today. Two wrongs do not make a right,” he stated.
Peterside drew parallels with his past interventions during the detentions of prominent figures such as MKO Abiola, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, activist Omoyele Sowore, and lawyer Dele Farotimi. He emphasized that his advocacy is rooted in principle rather than partisanship.
“If I am ever incarcerated, I will be at peace with my Lord, even if nobody calls out the authorities on my behalf,” he added, concluding his post with a prayer for Nigeria’s deliverance from what he described as “wicked leadership.”
El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody for nearly a month after being transferred from the EFCC, where he had voluntarily presented himself for questioning on February 16. The investigation reportedly centers on allegations of financial misappropriation during his tenure as governor.
While El-Rufai has maintained his innocence, his associates and legal team have described the probe as politically motivated. Despite the prolonged detention, the anti-graft agencies have yet to file any charges in court or grant him administrative bail.
As of the time of this report, neither the EFCC nor the ICPC has issued an official statement regarding the status of the investigation or the reasons for the extended detention.