The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has alleged that political connections now and then determine how corruption cases are handled in Nigeria, questioning whether the continued detention of former Kaduna Declare governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is a correct anti-corruption activity.
The monarch spoke during an interview including Channels Television on the sidelines of a book introduce.
Sanusi said enacting laws to fight corruption was not adequate, stressing the refer to for for institutions responsible for investigating, prosecuting and trying cases to properly enforce them.
The emir alleged that some corruption cases had been dropped given that those involved had political connections or enjoyed the support of influential individuals.
“We have seen in this country humans who are facing corruption charges who basically just gain those charges dropped given that they belong to the right political environment or have the right political recommend,” he said.
According to him, the method in which some corruption cases were handled has raised questions regarding whether the anti-corruption campaign is being applied consistently.
The emir cited El-Rufai’s case, describing the former governor as his brother.
He said El-Rufai had been denied bail and remained in detention despite not having been convicted.
“An sample is my brother, Nasir El-Rufai, who’s been denied bail. He’s been in detention for seven months, not having been convicted for anything.” he said.
The emir said developments such as El-Rufai’s case could cause members of the society to subject the motive behind some anti-corruption proceedings.
“So individuals commence to wonder, is this indeed a fight against corruption, or is it a political battle?” he asked.
He said the country would not build develop pending politicians and those in cost of the judiciary decided to utilize the laws for the intention for which they were made.
“Now, till the politicians and those who command political office and the judiciary resolve that they are going to use these laws for the objective for which they are install, we’re not going to acquire anywhere,” he said.
The emir added that reviewing the laws was a useful action, but the institutions charged including enforcing them furthermore needed attention.
Otherwise, he warned, anyone using the right political connections could receive away including anything.
El-Rufai is facing trial on charges associated to alleged corruption and cash laundering, amid other charges.
He has said his ordeal made him reconsider some relationships, as some friends and associates kept silent during his trial.
Source: ‘Is this a political battle?’, Sanusi questions El-Rufai’s prolonged detention
