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By Lawrence Agbo
Former spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has raised an alarm over what he described as an alleged plan to arrest former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai during his appearance at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In a statement released early Monday, Frank claimed he received intelligence suggesting that security operatives were preparing to take El-Rufai into custody when he appears before Justice M.B. Idris at the court.
He alleged that the move was part of a broader political plan targeted at the former governor, insisting that it was aimed at restricting his freedom ahead of the 2027 political cycle.
“Pursuant to what appears to be a grand plan by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to politically eliminate Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, I have been reliably informed that plans have allegedly been concluded … to forcefully take him into custody today from the Federal High Court, Abuja, where he is meant to appear,” Frank said.
Frank further argued that any such action would contradict existing court orders he said already placed El-Rufai under the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) pending ongoing legal proceedings.
He also claimed that security officials had met the previous night to coordinate the alleged operation, warning that such actions would undermine due process and the rule of law.
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According to him, there are fears that if an immediate arrest is not executed, El-Rufai could instead face prolonged detention aimed at limiting his political activity.
The former APC spokesman also criticised Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, alleging that his current posture contrasts with his past reputation as a civil rights advocate.
Frank, who also serves as an international ambassador for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), called on civil society groups, northern leaders, religious figures, and the international community to monitor developments closely.
“This is the time for Nigerians, northern leaders, civil society groups, religious leaders, and all lovers of justice and democracy to rise in one voice against oppression and selective justice,” he said.
He warned that any attempt to forcibly detain El-Rufai from court premises would amount to an assault on democratic principles and judicial independence.
Reiterating his support for anti-corruption efforts, Frank stressed that such actions must always follow due process and not be influenced by political considerations.
He further stated that those in power must remember that authority is temporary and should not be used to suppress dissenting voices or opposition figures.
