Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has criticised what he described as the growing culture of unlawful detention in Nigeria, warning that the practice poses a serious threat to democracy and public confidence in government.
El-Rufai raised the concern while speaking at the 23rd Annual Trust Dialogue held in Abuja, where he faulted the continued detention of individuals without proper investigation, formal charges, or timely arraignment before a court of law.
According to him, the increasing reliance on detention without due process by security and law-enforcement agencies undermines the rule of law and weakens democratic institutions. He argued that laws are meant to protect citizens and preserve order, not to instil fear or silence dissent through arbitrary arrests.
The former governor stressed that justice must be rooted in transparency and accountability, noting that detaining people without credible evidence or legal backing erodes public trust and damages the legitimacy of state institutions. He warned that when due process is ignored, citizens lose faith in governance and the justice system.
El-Rufai also cautioned that unchecked abuse of detention powers could fuel instability, insisting that respect for human rights and adherence to constitutional provisions are essential for national cohesion and democratic growth.
His remarks come amid renewed national debates over arbitrary arrests and prolonged detentions, a long-standing issue that has drawn criticism from legal experts and civil society organisations. Calls have continued for stronger oversight of security agencies and stricter enforcement of constitutional safeguards on personal liberty.
The former governor urged authorities to ensure that investigations precede arrests and that suspects are promptly charged or released in line with the law, describing respect for due process as non-negotiable in a democratic society.
Abuja Network News
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