Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar led a high-powered delegation on a solidarity visit to the Abuja residence of the former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, on Monday, March 23, 2026.
The visit, which occurred shortly after Atiku’s return from Umrah (lesser Hajj) in Saudi Arabia, served as a platform for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain to demand the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and other individuals he classified as political detainees.
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During the visit, Atiku expressed deep concern over the trend of detaining political figures, asserting that no citizen should be held in custody due to their ideology or political affiliation.
He characterized the current situation as a threat to democratic principles, emphasizing that a healthy democracy must accommodate dissent and respect the rule of law.
While Atiku did not specify the legal grounds for the current detentions, he called on the federal authorities to end what he described as politically motivated incarceration.
The visit coincided with significant legal developments for both Malami and El-Rufai. Malami is currently facing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja on a 16-count charge involving alleged terrorism financing and an ₦8.7 billion fraud and money laundering case.
He had recently regained his freedom after meeting bail conditions set following his remand in Kuje Prison. Meanwhile, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has announced its intention to arraign Nasir El-Rufai on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
The charges against the former governor include conversion of public property and money laundering, following his arrest and detention by security agencies in mid-February.
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Shortly after Atiku and his delegation departed Malami’s residence, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly arrived at the premises and ordered all occupants to vacate.
While the DSS has not issued an official statement regarding the move, observers have linked the increased security pressure to Malami’s ongoing legal battles and his refusal to align with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Atiku’s public stance adds to a growing chorus from opposition groups, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), calling for the protection of constitutional rights and the release of figures held without immediate arraignment.
Source : NaijaNews
