By Ayodele Oni
Spending 256 days in detention while on trial, former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has appealed for intervention from foreign leaders in his current legal tussle.
El-Rufai specifically called on the United States President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, to intervene drawing their attention to his continued detention.
In a post on his verified X account on Friday, October 30, 2026, El-Rufai stated that he had spent 256 days in detention.
He maintained that access to a fair trial was a fundamental human right, declaring that it was neither a favour nor an act of mercy.
He also alleged that he was being targeted for speaking against those in power.
His appeal comes days after the Federal High Court in Abuja, on October 26, dismissed his no-case submission in the ongoing trial over alleged unlawful interception of telephone communications involving National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The court directed him to enter his defence, with proceedings adjourned until November 25. The ruling does not amount to a conviction.
El-Rufai also faces a separate investigation into allegations of financial misconduct involving approximately ₦432 billion, following a petition by the Kaduna State House of Assembly.
The former Kaduna State Governor was arrested on February 16, by anti-graft and security agencies.
He was taken into custod, following an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) regarding alleged corruption, abuse of office, and money laundering during his tenure as governor.
Security operatives previously attempted to intercept him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on February 12, upon his return from Cairo, Egypt, where they seized his passport.
After being processed or granted administrative steps by the EFCC, he was re-arrested by operatives—including the State Security Service (SSS)—over separate cybercrime and wire-tapping charges.
The allegations remain subject to legal determination. His appeal to Trump and Macron has added an international dimension to the controversy surrounding his detention, prosecution and demand for due process.
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