By Moses Amos, Abuja
Supporters of the former Commissioner of Education in Kaduna State, Jafaru Ibrahim Sani, who served under former Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai, have called on the judiciary to ensure fairness in his ongoing trial concerning money laundering allegations.
The group, led by Comrade Muhammed Dan Indo, issued a press statement to journalists on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Abuja.
This appeal follows the arrest of Malam Jafaru Ibrahim Sani by operatives of the Nigerian Police Force under the directive of Governor Uba Sani.
The group expressed concern over the continued detention of the ex-commissioner in the Correctional Center for nearly two weeks.
They urged the presiding judge of the Magistrate Court handling the case to grant him bail so he can celebrate the upcoming Sallah festive season with his family, friends, and loved ones.
According to the statement from the supporters, investigations revealed that Malam Jafaru Ibrahim Sani had previously visited the EFCC based on an invitation, which supports their belief that he is not involved in any fraudulent activities.
Additionally, they called on those they believe are responsible for his legal troubles to cease what they described as undue persecution.
The group also expressed optimism that the presiding judge would ensure a fair judgment in the case and that his bail would be granted.
Supporters in Kaduna State and beyond have voiced frustration over the arrest, suggesting it is linked to Malam Jafaru’s recent defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
They insist that justice must prevail, urging the judiciary to provide an impartial ruling as the trial progresses.
“Nobody is saying the current administration of Governor Uba Sani or the State House of Assembly should not pursue transparency, probity, and accountability, but in doing so, care should be taken to avoid violating God-given fundamental human rights and to strictly adhere to the rule of law,” the statement concluded.
It is noteworthy that Malam Jafaru Ibrahim Sani, who served as Governor El-Rufai’s Commissioner for Local Government, Environment, and Education, was arrested by the police on Thursday, March 13, 2025, and was immediately remanded in a Correctional Centre as ordered by a magistrate court in the state.
Former Governor El-rufa’i, in a statement posted on his X, handles the same day, alleged that Jafaru was abducted by a gang claiming to be the police and was then remanded in prison custody by a magistrate without any police first information report or charges from the Kaduna State Ministry of Justice.
He further claimed that Jafaru’s real crime was resigning from the ruling APC and joining the SDP, as well as being proposed as El-Rufai’s replacement ministerial nominee representing Kaduna State in August 2023.
But reacting to El-Rufai’s allegation in a statement, the Public Relations Officer of the Kaduna State Police Command, Mansir Hassan, said the Command does not have any kidnapping gang, as there is no such in existence in the Nigerian Police Force.
Hassan stated that the police, as an institution established by law, is mandated by the Constitution to maintain law and order, which includes the protection of the lives and property of the citizens.