Timi Frank, the former deputy spokesperson of the ruling All Progressives Congress, has demanded the immediate release of the former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, and other opposition figures, including businessman Tony Ayeni.
Frank made this demand in a statement on Sunday, alleging that there are plots to eliminate El-Rufai.
Recall that El-Rufai has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission over alleged corruption under his administration in Kaduna State.
El-Rufai’s family, at the weekend accused the ICPC of denying the ex-governor and African Democratic Congress chieftain food and medical attention.
Reacting to the development, Frank alleged that top-ranking officials of President Bola Tinubu’s government want El-Rufai eliminated, citing anonymous security sources.
He warned that any harm suffered by El-Rufai after release from detention would raise serious concerns.
Frank alleged that some judicial officers were participating in what he described as prolonged detention through restrictive bail conditions.
“I received a troubling call from a reliable source within the security agencies alleging that there are plots to eliminate Nasir El-Rufai, a strategic plan allegedly orchestrated by top appointees within the government and the presidency,” Frank stated.
He added that Ayeni is persecuted by the incumbent administration because of his perceived political affiliations with the opposition party.
“For instance, Tunde Ayeni has been discharged by the courts in previous cases brought against him by the EFCC. There are concerns that he is being targeted because of perceived political affiliations and sympathy for the opposition,” he said.
