Former Youth and Sports Minister Solomon Dalung has criticised former Kaduna State governor Nasir El‑Rufai for voluntarily presenting himself to security agencies ahead of his ongoing legal process, calling the decision the “greatest mistake” of his political struggle.
In an interview with Trust TV aired this week, Dalung alleged that government operatives initially tried — and failed — to detain El‑Rufai at the airport, saying authorities were “so scared” of him that they feared a forced arrest could spark unrest.
Dalung maintained that El‑Rufai’s choice to hand himself over was a misstep, arguing that in a political struggle, a voluntary surrender can lead to “humiliation” and reduce negotiating leverage. “Comrades don’t surrender,” he said, asserting that coming into custody on one’s own terms allowed authorities to “play into his trap.”
The former minister also suggested El‑Rufai’s cooperation may have complicated the ability of prosecutors to build a case, contending that the decision deprived them of the opportunity to substantiate charges and forcing them to “shop for offences.” He predicted the trial would yield no substantive outcome, claiming it lacked a legal foundation.
