Former presidential candidate and SUG president Omoyele Sowore says El-Rufai and Malami, now in detention, are facing the consequences of actions taken while in power, questioning public sympathy for their plight.

Prominent activist and former SUG president Omoyele Sowore has taken aim at former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and ex-Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, SAN, both of whom are currently in detention under separate investigations by Nigeria’s anti-graft and security agencies.

In a widely circulated video and statement, Sowore revealed that Malami, detained at Kuje Correctional Centre over allegations including illegal possession of firearms and terrorism financing, reportedly reached out to him and his legal team seeking help for his release. “Malami sent people to me and our lawyer to come and bring him out. He suddenly found out that we are the most credible people around,” Sowore said.

Sowore suggested that El-Rufai, currently held by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) after a brief period with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), might attempt a similar approach. He linked the ex-governor’s reported nosebleed in custody to a bid for public sympathy.

“I’m sure El-Rufai must have been looking for a way now to reach out, because all this shouting about bleeding of nose is to get sympathy,” Sowore said, adding with sarcasm: “I’m not saying that his nose is not bleeding, and I call on the government to stop his nosebleed. They must give him good doctors or take him to Kaduna to go to the hospital he built to stop the bleeding.”

While emphasizing he does not support impunity, Sowore urged reflection on past leadership decisions. “If you are in power in this country… you should take care of the prisons, in case you find yourselves there,” he remarked. He described the situation as ironic, noting that both men—former key figures in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—are now being investigated using tactics similar to those applied to others during their political careers.

“I’m surprised that his nose is bleeding at the ICPC. When did his nose start bleeding? When he was governor, was his nose bleeding?” Sowore rhetorically questioned. “But I’m not making fun of him, because I don’t support any form of impunity against anybody. But even while condemning impunity, we must remember that these guys created the monsters that are now consuming them.”

El-Rufai voluntarily reported to the EFCC on February 16 for questioning and was granted administrative bail, but remains detained while his legal team negotiates variations. Reports from his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, indicate that he suffered a nosebleed on February 23 and that his wife was prevented from personally delivering food to him on February 17. El-Rufai was subsequently transferred to ICPC custody on February 18. The investigations relate to alleged financial misconduct during his 2015–2023 governorship, including a 2024 allegation of misappropriating N423 billion and money laundering.

Malami is facing multiple cases: one from the EFCC over money laundering and another from the Department of State Services (DSS) for alleged terrorism financing and unlawful firearms possession. He and his son were arraigned in February 2026 and remanded in Kuje Prison.