In a recent interview on Politics Today, former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, made startling claims about his experience under the administration of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Speaking during the programme aired on Channels Television, Odinkalu alleged that “El-Rufai wanted me abducted and charged with incitement and spreading false information.” He said the alleged move followed his public criticism of statements made by the former governor concerning security incidents in Kaduna State in 2019.
According to Odinkalu, he had challenged claims that dozens of persons were killed in Kajuru, insisting that security agencies later contradicted the figures announced at the time. He maintained that his intervention was based on publicly available information and was aimed at preventing reprisals and further violence.
The human rights advocate claimed that shortly after his comments, efforts were allegedly initiated to secure a warrant for his arrest on grounds of incitement and dissemination of false information. He stated that he was alerted to the planned action and subsequently sought judicial protection to prevent what he described as arbitrary detention.
Odinkalu argued that while no citizen should be above the law, legal processes must not be weaponised against dissenting voices. He added that several individuals who criticised the former administration faced intimidation, arrests, or court actions during that period…. Discover More
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