Our Reporter, Abuja
African Democratic Congress chieftain, Peter Obi, has accused Nigerian security agencies of embarking on a “fishing expedition” in their handling of the case involving former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
Obi made the allegation in a statement on Monday while condemning what he described as the persecution of political opponents under the guise of criminal prosecution.
He expressed concern over the arrest and continued detention of key leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and El-Rufai.
According to Obi, the circumstances surrounding their arrests raise serious questions about the commitment of the current administration to the rule of law.
“The current administration must put an end to the blatant persecution of political opponents disguised as criminal prosecution,” Obi said, adding that the integrity of the rule of law in Nigeria is non-negotiable.
The former Anambra State governor noted that the timing of the arrests, which he said coincided with the politicians’ political stance ahead of the 2027 general elections, had fueled suspicions of political motivation.
He particularly faulted the treatment of El-Rufai, alleging that the former governor had been moved between multiple security agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Department of State Services.
According to him, such transfers suggest a desperate search for any charge that could be brought against the former governor.
“The repeated transfers between the EFCC, ICPC and DSS suggest a desperate search for any charge that might stick, straying dangerously close to a fishing expedition rather than a credible investigation,” Obi said.
He stressed that prosecutorial decisions must be based on concrete evidence and probable cause, warning that the denial of bail or imposition of stringent bail conditions could undermine confidence in the justice system.
Obi said Nigeria needs a civil and criminal justice system that guarantees fairness and protects citizens from persecution over political beliefs.
While reaffirming his support for the fight against corruption, he insisted that anti-corruption efforts must be conducted with integrity, transparency and without selectivity.
“A credible anti-corruption campaign cannot afford to be selective. It must start with those currently in power rather than targeting only opponents,” Obi added.
He urged the government to respect the rule of law and avoid actions that could erode democratic principles, especially as the country moves closer to another election cycle.
