…ADC reiterated that both men are entitled to the presumption of innocence and due process as guaranteed by the Constitution,
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged selective justice in the prosecution of two of its prominent members, Abubakar Malami and Nasir El-Rufai. While affirming that no individual is above the law, the party stressed that the application of justice must be impartial and devoid of political influence.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ADC had been monitoring the situation closely. He warned that democracy is undermined when legal proceedings appear inconsistent or politically motivated.
Malami, a former Attorney-General of the Federation, is currently in detention over alleged money laundering and financial misconduct while in office. A Federal High Court in Abuja ordered that he and his son be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre, while his wife was remanded in Suleja. They have pleaded not guilty to charges, including the alleged mismanagement of about ₦800 billion in recovered funds. A bail hearing is scheduled for March 6.
Meanwhile, El-Rufai is being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Department of State Services.
His legal challenges escalated after he admitted in a February interview that he authorised the phone-tapping of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
The former Kaduna governor has since filed a ₦1 billion fundamental rights suit against the ICPC, alleging an unlawful raid on his Abuja residence. The matter was adjourned to March 11 after his lawyers reportedly failed to serve the respondents.
The ADC reiterated that both men are entitled to the presumption of innocence and due process as guaranteed by the Constitution, vowing to support its members while insisting that justice must be administered fairly, transparently and without intimidation.
