Emir Sanusi Questions El-Rufai’s Prolonged Detention

The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has questioned the continued detention of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, raising concerns over whether Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign is being applied consistently.

Sanusi made the remarks during an interview with Channels Television on the sidelines of a book launch, where he argued that enacting laws to combat corruption was not enough without effective enforcement by institutions responsible for investigating, prosecuting and trying corruption cases.

The emir alleged that some corruption cases had been dropped because the suspects had political connections or enjoyed the backing of influential individuals.

“We have seen in this country people who are facing corruption charges who basically just get those charges dropped because they belong to the right political environment or have the right political support,” he said.

According to Sanusi, the manner in which some corruption cases had been handled raised questions about whether the anti-corruption campaign was being pursued consistently.

He cited El-Rufai’s case, describing the former governor as his brother, and questioned why he had allegedly been denied bail and remained in detention despite not having been convicted.

“An example is my brother, Nasir El-Rufai, who’s been denied bail. He’s been in detention for seven months, not having been convicted for anything,” he said.

Sanusi said developments such as El-Rufai’s case could lead members of the public to question the motive behind some anti-corruption proceedings.

“So people begin to wonder, is this really a fight against corruption, or is it a political battle?” he asked.

The emir said Nigeria would make little progress until politicians and those in positions of authority, including those responsible for the judiciary, decided to apply the laws for which they were enacted.

“Now, until the politicians and those who control political office and the judiciary decide that they are going to use these laws for the purpose for which they are set up, we’re not going to get anywhere,” he said.

Sanusi added that while reviewing the laws was a positive step, greater attention should also be given to the institutions responsible for enforcing them.

Otherwise, he warned, people with the right political connections could evade accountability.

El-Rufai is facing trial over allegations including corruption and money laundering. He has said his experience has made him reconsider some of his relationships, noting that some friends and associates remained silent during his trial.