Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern over the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, describing the circumstances surrounding his incarceration as a threat to constitutional rights and the principles of justice.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Atiku criticized what he termed excessively stringent bail conditions imposed on El-Rufai, arguing that such requirements effectively deny the former governor his constitutional right to bail despite court orders granting it.

According to Atiku, while the judiciary has the authority to set conditions for bail, such conditions should be realistic and attainable. He maintained that bail is intended to guarantee an accused person's appearance in court and should not be used as a tool for pre-trial punishment.

The former vice president noted that reports indicating that El-Rufai must provide high-ranking civil servants with property ownership in exclusive areas of Abuja as sureties raise concerns about fairness and equal access to justice.

“At the heart of every democratic society is the presumption of innocence until proven guilty,” Atiku said. “When bail conditions become impossible to meet, the right to liberty is effectively undermined.”

He further warned that the implications of the case extend beyond El-Rufai, stressing that any precedent that allows citizens to remain in detention due to unattainable bail terms could erode public confidence in the judiciary and democratic institutions.

Atiku also cautioned against what he described as the growing perception of political intolerance in the country, emphasizing that democracy flourishes when legal processes are transparent, impartial, and free from political influence.

The former vice president called on relevant authorities and the judiciary to ensure that justice is administered fairly and in accordance with the Constitution, regardless of political affiliations or status.

El-Rufai’s continued detention has generated widespread public debate, with political observers and civil society groups closely monitoring developments in the case.

The controversy has reignited discussions about judicial discretion, bail conditions, and the protection of fundamental rights within Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

As the matter remains before the courts, analysts say the outcome could have far-reaching implications for public trust in the rule of law and the administration of justice in Nigeria.