El-Rufai laments abandonment by allies after 218 days in detention

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, says he feels abandoned and betrayed by close allies he helped and made sacrifices for in the past, as he remains in detention over a wiretapping allegation.

Peoples Gazette reports that El-Rufai, who has been held for 218 days, made the remarks in a statement posted on social media.

“As for any injustice, ingratitude or injury done to me, I seek neither revenge nor retribution. Ultimate accountability belongs to Almighty Allah,” he said.

He said he stood by people and causes out of conviction, not in expectation of praise or reciprocity. “Adversity has a way of illuminating relationships,” he added, noting that what he learns in difficult times may lead him to quietly reconsider certain relationships.

El-Rufai has been in detention since February 18 following a probe into an alleged ₦432 billion money laundering case, based on a petition by the Kaduna State House of Assembly. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) said he is being held under a court remand order. He was briefly released in March to attend his late mother’s burial.

El-Rufai admitted in an interview to tapping the telephone of National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.