Interview: El-Rufai Must Face Criminal Prosecution as Well – Prof. Odinkalu

On Thursday, February 19, 2026, former Chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, appeared on Lunchtime Politics on Channels TV to discuss allegations against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

Speaking amid growing demands by the Kaduna Victims Coalition for criminal prosecution, Odinkalu stressed that the ex-governor should face legal accountability if the allegations are substantiated.

Odinkalu cited multiple cases of arbitrary arrests, unlawful detentions, and disappearances, including the abduction of Abubakar “Dadiyata” Idris in 2019 and attacks on journalists and legal practitioners.

He said that civil cases already exist, but what the coalition seeks is criminal accountability under the law.

Refuting any suggestions of political persecution, Odinkalu pointed out that El-Rufai was partly responsible for bringing President Tinubu to office and holds significant political influence. Who is persecuting who, he asks.

He also confirmed ongoing personal legal disputes with El-Rufai, stating his readiness to contest defamation claims in court.

Odinkalu concluded that due legal process is the only path to justice and accountability.

Read the rivetting interview below.

The Interview

Q Professor Odinkalu, thank you for joining us today. Can you start by telling us why you are part of the Kaduna Victims Coalition?

Ans Thank you for having me. The Kaduna Victims Coalition is raising concerns over the tenure of Nasir El-Rufai, who faces allegations from ICPC, EFCC, and DSS. These allegations include abuses during his tenure, and we are asking for criminal accountability.

Q Are you calling for this because of political differences, or because of legal responsibility?

Ans No, this is not about politics. Nasir El-Rufai was in the same party as President Tinubu and campaigned actively in 2023. If he has committed actions that warrant legal accountability, he should face due process.

“If Nasir El-Rufai has done things that warrant legal accountability, he should be subject to due legal process.”

Q Can you describe the kinds of abuses you are referring to?

Ans During his tenure, El-Rufai treated critics with impunity, recklessness, and brutality. Some victims are dead, including Dr. Rafael Galadima, who was abducted and killed. Abubakar “Dadiyata” Idris disappeared in August 2019. Communities were converted from kingdoms to emirates at his whim, disenfranchising non-Muslims.

Q What specific incidents involving journalists and legal practitioners occurred?

Ans Luka Binniyat, a Vanguard correspondent, was abducted and detained. Gloria Ballason, a lawyer defending victims, faced threats and potential abduction. Steve Kefas was taken from Port Harcourt to Kaduna and detained for six months. These cases show a pattern of abuse.

Q Are civil cases already underway?

Ans Yes, civil proceedings exist, and some have judgments in our favor. But what we seek now is criminal accountability, as civil remedies do not address the full scope of violations.

“What we are asking for is criminal proceedings… let these issues be disposed of in a manner provided for in our criminal law.”

Q Can you explain the case of Dadiyata’s abduction?

Ans Dadiyata was abducted in Kaduna between 2:00 and 4:00 a.m. on 2 August 2019. He had traveled from Kano late at night, and the abduction occurred shortly after arrival. There is ample digital evidence showing that he was targeted because he criticized the governor.

Q Has El-Rufai responded to these allegations?

Ans He has denied them, as expected. But the evidence in courts and documentation by human rights groups clearly demonstrate the pattern of abuses.

Q You have also been personally sued by El-Rufai?

Ans Yes, he filed defamation claims against me. I welcome this, as it will allow us to contest in court and present the truth about his actions. I called him a “vile little man,” which I stand by. He has little reputation to protect.

“I don’t think this should become about political persecution… Who is persecuting whom?”

Q What is the coalition’s end goal?

Ans We want criminal proceedings through due legal process. This ensures accountability and justice for victims and their families. It is not political; it is about upholding the law.

Q Any final thoughts?

Ans Due process must be followed. Criminal accountability is necessary to address the abuses. The courts will ultimately decide. We are committed to justice, not politics.

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