Angry residents flood the streets, demanding immediate release of former governor amid claims of unfair legal treatment

Tensions flared in Kaduna on Tuesday as residents staged a protest over the rearrest of former governor Nasir El-Rufai, triggering widespread calls for his immediate release.

The demonstrators, who thronged major streets across the city, carried placards and chanted solidarity slogans, expressing strong backing for El-Rufai. Many voiced frustration over what they described as inconsistencies and perceived bias in the handling of his legal case.

The protest followed the Federal High Court in Abuja’s decision to postpone El-Rufai’s bail hearing, a move that fueled anger among his supporters and intensified scrutiny of the judicial process.

El-Rufai had earlier been granted temporary release by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) last Friday to attend his mother’s funeral. However, he was taken back into custody shortly after the court adjourned his bail application.

The development has heightened political tension in Kaduna, with protesters insisting that justice must be served transparently and without undue delay.