Abuja-based constitutional lawyer and rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, has commended the Federal Government for granting a temporary release to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following the death of his mother.
Hajia Umma El-Rufai, mother of the ex-governor, died on Friday in Cairo, Egypt, where she had reportedly been receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.
In what has been widely interpreted as a humanitarian gesture, the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory—who has been in detention over allegations bordering on corruption and abuse of office—was allowed out of custody to attend her funeral rites.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, Adeyanju praised the government for demonstrating compassion, while stressing that the decision must rest on firm legal footing.
He said, “The decision to grant Mallam Nasir El-Rufai temporary release from Independent Corrupt Practices Commission custody to attend his mother’s burial is both humane and commendable but must be backed by court decision/order since he was remanded in custody on the order of the court.
“The decision to allow El-Rufai to attend his mother’s funeral reflects a necessary balance between the demands of justice and respect for fundamental human dignity.”
According to him, “Bail, whether administrative or judicial, should not be misconstrued as an escape from accountability, but rather as a lawful and compassionate accommodation in deserving circumstances.”
