Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has stated that the recent release of African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Nasir El-Rufai further suggests that his detention was politically motivated.

The Department of State Services (DSS) had on Wednesday taken custody of the former Kaduna State governor after proceedings at the Federal High Court in Kaduna. El-Rufai is currently standing trial over alleged corruption charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The court had earlier adjourned the matter to April 14 for a bail hearing before his arrest by DSS operatives.

In a statement issued through his aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku described the situation as a failed attempt to control El-Rufai, adding that his release reinforces claims that the actions against him are politically driven.

The statement also argued that El-Rufai’s release was carried out without the court’s approval and called for his continued freedom. It emphasized that, as a citizen, El-Rufai has the right to choose his political path, describing this as a fundamental aspect of democracy.