NIGERIA: Law firm petitions international bodies over alleged political persecution of Nasir El-Rufai
By KEMI KASUMU
A Nigerian law firm, B.B. Michika & Associates, has called on several international and domestic organizations to urgently intervene in what it described as the political persecution of former Kaduna State governor, .
In a petition dated March 2, 2026, and addressed to multiple institutions—including the , , , , , and the —the firm alleged that the former governor is facing prolonged detention, harassment, and violations of his fundamental rights.
The petition was submitted on behalf of several individuals, including Ahmed Abubakar Goringo, Mohammed Salihu Shabba, Dr. Uche Diala, Tayo Agbaje, Adugwu Philip, Ibrahim Garba Wala, Chris Sunday George, and Ifeanyi Obaigwu.
According to the lawyers, El-Rufai—described as a prominent opposition figure and outspoken critic of Nigeria’s current political leadership—has been subjected to multiple investigations by government agencies following a fallout with the federal government. They claim the investigations appear designed to intimidate and silence opposition voices.
The firm cited concerns such as overlapping investigations, prolonged detention, denial of bail, and repeated summons allegedly coinciding with the politician’s political engagements.
In the petition, the lawyers argued that these actions could violate provisions of the , particularly Section 35 on the right to personal liberty and Section 36 on the right to fair hearing. They also referenced protections under the and the , which guard against arbitrary detention.
While acknowledging that public officials—past or present—should be subject to lawful scrutiny by authorities, the petition stressed that such processes must be conducted fairly and without political bias.
The law firm warned that continued harassment of a leading opposition figure could undermine Nigeria’s democratic institutions and erode the rule of law if not addressed.
Among its requests, the petition urged international organizations and diplomatic missions to monitor developments in the case, engage Nigerian authorities to ensure respect for human rights, and encourage transparent judicial review of any alleged violations.
The lawyers concluded that their petition does not seek immunity for El-Rufai but rather calls for due process and the protection of fundamental rights guaranteed under Nigerian and international law.
See details of petition below:
B.B.MICHIKA & ASSOCIATES
LEGAL PRACTITIONERS
2nd March, 2026
Attention:
1. The Embassy of the United States of America
2. British High Commission
3. The European Union
4. Amnesty International
5. Human Rights Watch
6. United Nations Human Rights Council
7. Ecowas Court of Justice
8. Nigerian Bar Association
9. National Peace Committee
10. Christian Association of Nigeria
11. JIBWIS
12. National Human Rights Commission
13. 0ffice of the High Commission For Human Rights
14. Human Rights Without Frontiers International.
15. Global Rights
16. African Commission on Human & Peoples Rights.
17. International Federation of Human Rights
18. Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative
19. Freedom House
20. International Society for Human Rights
Sir,
Urgent Intervention in the Matter Regarding the Political Persecution of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai
We act as solicitors to Mallam Ahmed Abubakar Goringo, Mohammed Salihu Shabba, Dr. Uche Diala, Honourable Tayo Agbaje, Adugwu Philip Esq., Ibrahim Garba Wala, Amb. Chris
Sunday George and Ifeanyi Obaigwu (herein after referred to as Our Clients on whose behalf and instructions we forward this Petition.
We write to express the grave concerns of our clients regarding the Political Persecution, prolonged and continued detention, harassment and denial of the Fundamental Human Rights of Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, a former Governor of Kaduna State, Political Opposition Leader and an outspoken critic of the current Political Leadership of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai is known by all to be a reformist and a strong voice in Nigeria’s opposition. He is a symbol of honest governance and national progress. His public role and open comments on important national issues have made him very visible.
Since his fallout with the current central government, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has been hounded by several Government Agencies who have kickstarted a series of investigations with a view to muscling and silencing all opposition voices by all means necessary.
Our clients are especially concerned because of:
▪︎ The many overlapping investigations.
▪︎ His continued and protracted detention.
▪︎ Denial of bail;
▪︎ Repeated summons and actions that seem to happen at the same time as his political activities.
No one is above the law, but the overall pattern of harassment raises serious questions about whether the actions are fair, neutral, and in line with constitutional safeguards to ensure protection of Fundamental Human Rights.
So far, we have witnessed the following infractions on the Fundamental and Constitutional Rights of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai as follows:
▪︎ Section 35 of the Nigerian Constitution
(Right to Personal Liberty);
▪︎ Section 36 (Right to Fair Hearing);
▪︎ Articles 6 and 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights;
▪︎ Protections under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) against arbitrary detention.
While we welcome and encourage the surrender of Public Officials, both serving and retired to scrutiny by Law Enforcement Agencies, such must be done within the ambit of the law without fear or favour and not for the purpose of stifling all opposition voices.
The issues we bring to your attention go far beyond Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, if these issues are left to fester, they may revive the old ways of shutting down key opposition voices. When a leading opposition figure faces constant political harassment at the instance of the Executive using the Judicial Process without due process, the fabric of the Rule of Law erodes.
Sir, the Nigerian Democracy should be strengthened by strong institutions and not weakened by any appearance of selective targeting.
We respectfully urge your offices to:
1. Closely monitor the actions of the Nigerian State as it relates to the travails of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
2. Engage with Nigerian authorities to make sure that Fundamental Human Rights are protected while applying constitutional safeguards for the protection of those rights.
3. Push for immediate and open judicial review of any infringement.
4. Encourage a clear public statement supporting due process in sensitive political cases.
In conclusion, this petition does not seek preferential treatment or propose that anyone escape lawful accountability and scrutiny. It simply asks for what every citizen deserves: Application of the Rule of Law and protection from any politically motivated persecution.
We urge you to give this matter your immediate and principled attention.
Respectfully,
For: B. B. Michika & Associates
Moses Eveshorase Balogun Esq.
(Counse])
