{
  "id": 16108108,
  "title": "'He's a dangerous lion' - Dele Momodu reveals why El-Rufai is being detained",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/hes-a-dangerous-lion-dele-momodu-reveals-why-el-rufai-is-being",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-22T20:20:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/10/22/hes-a-dangerous-lion-dele-momodu-reveals-why-el-rufai-is-being-detained/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Veteran journalist Dele Momodu has criticized the detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, alleging that it is due to his political influence and potential threat to those in authority. In an interview on Channels Television's Politics Today, Momodu said El-Rufai, despite his flaws, remains one of the most astute politicians from Northern Nigeria. The reason for his confinement, Momodu argued, is because El-Rufai is a \"lion\" who could pose a danger if released. \"The longer they keep him, the worse the situation,\" he warned. Momodu suggested that authorities could have granted El-Rufai bail, allowing him to continue his legal proceedings from his home. He expressed worry over the lack of support from some of El-Rufai's political allies, including current Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who is believed to have been a protege of El-Rufai. \"It scares me about Nigerian politics that people, even Uba Sani, who was supposed to be a protege, is not able to fight for him because they believe it will be too dangerous if he is outside,\" Momodu lamented. He called on all Nigerians, particularly those with a sense of duty, to speak out against El-Rufai's continued detention. \"All men and women of conscience should speak up and say Mallam Nasir El-Rufai should not be caged. But if they don't listen, a caged lion is still very dangerous,\" Momodu concluded.",
  "summary": "A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Dele Momodu, has claimed that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is being detained because of his political influence and perceived threat to those in power. Momodu said El-Rufai, despite his imperfections, remained one of the most brilliant politicians from Northern Nigeria. He made the remarks while […] 'He's a dangerous lion' - Dele…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}