Former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai has openly criticized the current governor, Uba Sani, and Justice Aikawa for their involvement in what he describes as “dark politics.” El-Rufai stated, “The trials of Honorable Bashir Sai’du and Mr. Jimi Lawal have strayed from a judicial process into a political battleground, raising serious concerns about fairness and impartiality.”
El-Rufai, who led Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, expressed alarm over the increasing politicization of the legal proceedings against his former officials. He emphasized that “political interference is casting a shadow over the pursuit of justice,” underscoring how such actions are detrimental to the integrity of the legal system.
Since early 2024, numerous former officials from the El-Rufai administration have been selectively summoned by anti-corruption agencies. “This selective targeting raises questions about the integrity of the investigations,” El-Rufai remarked, highlighting how many individuals closely associated with him have faced scrutiny, while others aligned with the current government have seemingly avoided investigation. He noted that “justice should be blind, yet we see a clear pattern of discrimination against those who served my administration.”
The trials of Bashir Sai’du and Jimi Lawal have become increasingly politicized. On December 31, 2024, armed police officers, allegedly acting on Governor Uba Sani’s orders, illegally abducted Bashir Sai’du along Zaria Road in Rigachikun. He was swiftly taken to a magistrate court in Rigasa and remanded in Kaduna Prison until January 21, 2024. Both men were subsequently charged by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and faced additional charges from the Uba Sani government at the State High Court.
Their legal team successfully secured bail from the Federal High Court, albeit with strict conditions. Bashir was also granted bail by the State High Court, contingent upon verifying certificates of occupancy. However, in a surprising turn of events, the Kaduna State Geographic Information Service (KADGIS) abruptly suspended verification services after bail was granted, obstructing the release of both men.
Reflecting on this, El-Rufai condemned the suspension, stating, “This blatant disregard for court orders undermines the authority of the judiciary and obstructs justice. It is imperative that government agencies respect the rule of law to maintain public trust.” Family members and legal counsel have raised concerns in court, but no resolution has been reached.
After granting bail, Justice Aikawa delegated the signing of the release order to another judge during his absence to ensure a timely release. However, this judge allegedly refused to sign, raising suspicions of political interference. “It is alarming that the judicial process is being manipulated for political ends,” El-Rufai noted, adding, “We must ensure that our courts are free from external pressures to uphold the sanctity of justice.”
Reliable sources indicate that Governor Uba Sani is actively attempting to prevent the release of Bashir and Jimi, with the presiding judge’s complicity. “Despite fulfilling their bail conditions, they remain in custody due to direct instructions from the governor,” El-Rufai alleged. He emphasized the serious implications this holds for the integrity of the legal process by stating, “If we allow politics to dictate judicial outcomes, we risk eroding the very foundations of our democracy.”
The prolonged detention of Bashir and Jimi, despite meeting the legal requirements for their release, is a troubling indictment of both Governor Uba Sani and Justice Aikawa. As El-Rufai aptly put it, “This situation calls into question the commitment to justice in our state. We must demand accountability and fairness in the face of these political maneuvers.”
El-Rufai Critiques Uba Sani and Justice Aikawa: A Case of Dark Politics.
