₦airaland Forum

joseph1832:
But I thought there are laws enforcing the fundamental human rights of detainees, helping them to maintain the premise that, a detainee shouldn't be detained, for more than 24 hours, without being charged to court.

Yes, that is exactly the point. A detainee should not be detained for more than 24 hours without being charged to court, but the courts are closed for the weekend on Saturdays and Sundays, that's why some people try to get people arrested on Fridays.

joseph1832:
Why shouldn't he go to the Police station on Friday?

Across Nigeria there is a belief that people will try to arrest you on a Friday if they want you to suffer.

If you are arrested anytime between Monday and Thursday then you might be released on the same day or at most the next day, but if you are arrested on a Friday, then you might not get out till Monday.

That's because the courts and various government offices are closed till Monday (closed for the weekend).

It was in an effort to counter this problem that Governor Fashola established special courts in Lagos that sat on Saturdays.

Someone on Twitter had advised that he should not go to the police station on a Friday, but it was too late, he had already gone.

Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai @B_ELRUFAI

I am concerned by reports regarding the whereabouts of Imran U. Wakili and the circumstances surrounding his reported arrest by the police. While the full details remain unclear, every citizen is entitled to personal liberty, fair treatment and the protection of the law. Law enforcement must be conducted within constitutional limits, with due process and respect for fundamental rights.

I urge the relevant authorities to clarify the situation, establish Imran’s whereabouts and ensure that the circumstances surrounding this incident are properly addressed. Our democracy depends on institutions that uphold the law while protecting the rights and freedoms of every Nigerian. In a democracy, the freedom of speech and expression is sacrosanct.

Any government that is intimidated by the statements of its citizens is simply highlighting its own lack of confidence and insecurities. We anxiously await answers and expect Imran to be free and well. Sadly, this shameless acts of intimidation against opposition voices continues to be only policy position of certain governments, especially the Kaduna State Government of the day.

Signed
Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai
Member.
Kaduna North Federal Constituency
Chairman, Committee on Banking Regulations.
October 30, 2026.

https://x.com/B_ELRUFAI/status/2116197700718747843?a=lhZqqpVHrHelERpIuLo&s=19

My Deen My Swag @AM_Saleeeem

Can anyone close to @IU_Wakilii confirm his whereabouts? I spoke to him this evening, and he told me that Nigerian police officers had come to his house, towed his car, arrested his brother in his place, and asked him to report to the police station.

I’ve tried reaching him tonight, but his phone is unreachable. I’m genuinely concerned about his safety. If anyone has any information about his whereabouts, please speak up.

When are we going to outgrow this culture of political intimidation? Must people live in fear for expressing themselves? This is deeply concerning, and the public deserves answers.

https://x.com/AM_Saleeeem/status/2115910303858975048

Atiku Abubakar @atiku

Where is Imran U. Wakili?

By his own account, police officers stormed the home of @IU_Wakilii on Thursday, towed his car, seized his younger brother in his place, and ordered him to report to the station. He said he was on his way. Since then, his family has heard nothing. This is what Bola Tinubu's APC government has made of Nigeria: a country where a young man's opinions can cost him his liberty, and where the police take a brother hostage to bring a critic in.

Let me be clear. If Imran is in police custody, the Nigeria Police must say so today, tell his family where he is being held, state the charge against him, and give him access to his lawyer. Holding a citizen in silence is not policing; it is intimidation, and Nigerians see it for exactly what it is. Bola may silence one voice, but he cannot silence a nation that is already hungry, angry, and watching.

As President, I will restore the rule of law, protect every Nigerian's right to speak freely, and ensure that no citizen ever disappears for holding the government to account. Criticism is not a crime.

Free Imran now. -AA

https://x.com/atiku/status/2116277233333444635

Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai @elrufai

IMRAN WAKILI ABDUCTION UPDATE:

Where is Imran U. Wakili (@IU_WAKILII)?

His last statement reported his younger brother’s arrest and the towing of his vehicle by police. We urge @PoliceNG to help locate him and confirm his safety.

Please amplify. Nothing should happen to @IU_Wakilii The whole world is watching!

https://x.com/elrufai/status/2116145446837993727

Ibrahim Modibbo Sanusi Maikudi @ModibboSanusi

URGENT PUBLIC STATEMENT ON THE DISAPPEARANCE OF IMRAN (@IU_WAKILII)

I make this statement with deep concern as Imran's fellow colleague, associate in the El-Rufa'i Camp, and Convener of the El-Rufa'i Youth Movement.

Yesterday, Imran sent me a statement and specifically requested that I make it public if we became unable to reach him or establish his whereabouts. In keeping with his request, I am making the statement public.

It has now been over 12 hours since I last spoke with Imran. Despite several attempts by members of the El-Rufa'i Camp youth to reach him, all efforts have been unsuccessful.

We are deeply concerned about his safety and whereabouts.

I appeal to the general public and security agencies to assist us in locating him. Anyone with useful information should contact:

X: @ElRufai_Live / @ElrufaiBoys
Email: elrufailive@gmail.com
Phone: +234 808 213 1009

Below is the statement Imran sent to me yesterday, which he requested I publish if we could not find him.

We want to know that Imran is safe. Please help amplify this message.

Signed:
Convener, El-Rufa'i Youth Movement

Imran's statement

"Earlier today, police personnel came to my house looking for me, but unfortunately, I was not around. They told those they met that the matter was urgent and that I needed to report to them. However, I was occupied at the time and could not immediately attend to their request.

After a while, they left, and I thought that was all for the moment. After a while they returned and this time, the situation took a different turn.

When they came back, they arrested my younger brother and towed my car. According to them, I had to present myself before they could release him. The reason they gave was that the car I have been driving for over two years was allegedly a stolen vehicle.

What makes this situation particularly surprising to me is that before I started using the car, my brother has been using it for atleast two to three years. In other words, this is not a vehicle that either of us started using yesterday. Yet, I am now faced with an allegation that has resulted in the arrest of my younger brother.

I am making this public because I am on my way to meet the police now. I believe it is important that people are aware of the situation, particularly because my brother has been arrested in connection with a matter they say concerns me.

I will be going there to understand exactly what is happening and to find out the basis of this allegation.

For now, I do not want to jump to conclusions or make claims about what I do not yet know.

I will provide further updates as the situation unfolds.

Thank you.

Signed Imran U Wakili"

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