‘Is this a political battle?’, Sanusi questions El-Rufai’s prolonged detention

The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has questioned whether the prolonged detention of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is a genuine anti-corruption effort or a political battle. Speaking during an interview with Channels Television on the sidelines of a book launch, Sanusi, who described El-Rufai as his brother, said that political connections sometimes influence the handling of corruption cases in Nigeria.

He argued that merely enacting laws to combat corruption is insufficient, emphasizing the importance of institutions responsible for investigating, prosecuting, and trying cases to effectively enforce these laws. Sanusi alleged that some corruption cases have been dropped because the individuals involved possess political connections or enjoy support from influential individuals.

He pointed to the El-Rufai case, mentioning that the former governor has been denied bail and has been in detention for seven months without being convicted. This situation, Sanusi suggested, could lead the public to doubt the sincerity of anti-corruption campaigns. He stressed that until politicians and those controlling the judiciary commit to using laws for their intended purpose, Nigeria will not make progress in fighting corruption.

The emir acknowledged that reviewing laws is a necessary step, but also highlighted the need for attention to the institutions tasked with enforcing these laws. If not addressed, he warned, individuals with the right political connections could escape accountability. El-Rufai is currently facing trial on charges of corruption, money laundering, and other alleged offenses.