Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has warned against what he described as the growing practice of detention without proper investigation or due process, saying it poses a threat to democracy and the rule of law.
El-Rufai made the remarks on Thursday at the 23rd Annual Trust Dialogue held at the Nigerian Air Force Conference Centre in Kado, Abuja.
He said the justice system should exist to protect citizens and uphold constitutional rights, rather than create fear among the public.
According to him, holding individuals without due process violates fundamental human rights and contradicts the principles of the rule of law guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution.
El-Rufai argued that no democratic society can function effectively if security agencies operate outside legal boundaries, adding that the misuse of state power to intimidate or suppress citizens weakens public confidence in government institutions.
He called on authorities to ensure that law enforcement actions are guided strictly by the law and respect for civil liberties, stressing that adherence to due process is essential for maintaining trust between citizens and the state.
Keywords: Nasir El-Rufai, unlawful detention, rule of law, Trust Dialogue, Nigeria human rights
