PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTINUED POLITICAL PERSECUTION IN KADUNA STATE: STATEMENT ON THE UNLAWFUL ARREST OF IBRAHIM MODIBBO SANUSI AND THE ONGOING HARASSMENT OF ADC MEMBERS
ABUJA, NIGERIA —
We strongly condemn the late-night arrest and abduction of Comrade Ibrahim Modibbo Sanusi, a key political associate of Malam Nasir El-Rufai and the Convener of the El-Rufai Boys, by unidentified security operatives claiming to be from the Inspector-General of Police Special Intelligence Response Team (IGP IRT).
1. The Circumstances of the Arrest
On the night of September 21, 2026, armed operatives acting without a warrant and refusing to present official identification forcibly took Ibrahim Modibbo Sanusi into custody. This arbitrary style of arrest mirror tactics used in dictatorial regimes, violating fundamental rights to liberty, personal dignity, and due process guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
2. Targeting of the El-Rufai Boys and the ADC
The El-Rufai Boys is a peaceful, organized youth political advocacy network. The group operates fully within the law to advance governance principles, administrative competence, and public accountability—hallmarks of Malam Nasir El-Rufai’s public service as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and two-term Governor of Kaduna State.
This arrest is a direct attempt to intimidate the youth of Kaduna State, who are actively mobilizing support to vote massively for all African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidates in the upcoming 2027 elections.
3. Systematic Stifling of Political Opposition
This incident is part of a broader pattern of state-sponsored intimidation aimed at crushing opposition voices in Kaduna State and across Nigeria.
INCLUDE HARASSMENT AND DETENTION OF AISHA GALADIMA, AMAR RIGASA OTHER CASES HERE.
Today marks Day 218 of the unlawful detention of Malam Nasir El-Rufai. Having failed to substantiate allegations through constitutional legal processes, state actors have resorted to harassment, arbitrary detentions, and the systematic targeting of his political associates and grassroots organizers.
Demands
Immediate and Unconditional Release:
We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Ibrahim Modibbo Sanusi, or his prompt arraignment before a court of competent jurisdiction if there are any legitimate charges against him.
Adherence to Due Process: We call on the Inspector-General of Police and heads of security agencies to stop allowing state apparatuses to be weaponized for partisan political vendettas.
End to Political Intimidation:
We demand an immediate end to the continued, unlawful detention of Malam Nasir El-Rufai and the harassment of ADC members and youth advocates in Kaduna State.
The spirit and resolve of the people of Kaduna State cannot be broken by intimidation. The El-Rufai Boys and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) remain focused on working within the law to deliver genuine democracy, competent leadership, and political change.
Signed:
Asia Ahmad El-Rufai
On Behalf of the family of Malam Nasir El-Rufai
Media Office / Political Directorate
African Democratic Congress (ADC) September 22, 2026