Coalition raises alarm of plots to arrest El-rufai, kwankwaso, others

A coalition of northern youth groups has raised the alarm, alleging ongoing plots to arrest prominent opposition political figures from the region.

Prominent amongst those fingered for arrest includes former Kaduna state Governor, Mal. Nasir El-Rufai and former Kano state Governor, Mal. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

No Cardinal point has been advanced for the plots other than corruption, the coalition itself is however also demanding for the immediate release of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN.

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The group, operating under the banner of the Coalition of Northern Youth Groups, made the allegations at a press conference in Arewa House Kaduna Sunday, where it accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intimidate political opponents from the region.

Briefing newsmen, the coalition’s secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, said: “What we are witnessing is not an anti-corruption war but a calculated attempt to weaken and silence Northern opposition leaders through selective investigations and intimidation.”

Mohammed alleged that the continued probe and detention of Malami, as well as reported pressure on members of his family, amounted to abuse of state institutions.

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“Targeting family members and associates is unacceptable in a democracy and only deepens public distrust,” he said.

The coalition further claimed that similar actions were being planned against other Northern political figures, including El-Rufai, Kwankwaso and former Adamawa state Governor, Jibrilla Bindow. It said: “There is a clear attempt to dismantle an emerging opposition bloc ahead of future elections.”