Tension rose in Kaduna State on Wednesday as groups of youths took to the streets to protest the continued detention of former governor Nasir El-Rufai, demanding that he be freed without delay.
The protesters included youths, women, and residents from different communities. They assembled at major points across Kaduna city and in parts of Southern Kaduna. Many of them displayed placards with messages such as “Free El-Rufai Now” and “Justice for Our Leader.” Others carried banners with inscriptions like “Kaduna Demands Governance, Not Revenge,” as they chanted in solidarity with the former governor.
The demonstration came after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arrested El-Rufai and a court declined to grant him bail.
During the protest, Ibrahim Modibbo Sanusi, who said he represents the Arewa Youth Movement, criticised the detention. He described it as unjust and politically motivated.
“We are here to express our dissatisfaction over the continued detention of our leader,” he said.
“We demand his immediate and unconditional release. Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.”
Sanusi also warned that the group could escalate its actions if authorities fail to respond. He stated that any further steps would remain lawful. He added that a one-million-man march might be organised in Abuja if El-Rufai is not released.
He further disclosed that youths in Southern Kaduna held a peaceful demonstration in Kafanchan, the headquarters of Jema’a Local Government Area, in support of the former governor.
In Kaduna metropolis, a large number of protesters gathered along the busy Western Bypass, drawing attention from commuters and residents as the demonstration continued.
