Nasir El-Rufai Fights Political Persecution in Nigeria

LONDON - International legal expert Robert Amsterdam joins Nigerian defense team
to challenge accusations against el-Rufai

Nasir El-Rufai, a popular Nigerian reformer who has faced nearly two
years of investigations from politically-motivated charges has announced the
retention of the well-known international lawyer Robert Amsterdam, of
Amsterdam & Peroff. Mr. Amsterdam has a broad mandate to mount a vigorous
legal defense of El-Rufai’s reputation, person and property both in Nigeria
and abroad.

Mr. A. U. Mustapha, prominent Nigerian counsel for El-Rufai, stated that,
“the accusations against former Minister El-Rufai and the campaign against
him which violate Nigeria’s commitments under international law prompted us
to look for jurisdictions outside of Nigeria for additional arena for
redress.”

While serving in government, El-Rufai was recognized as an integral
member of a team of bold and innovative reformers who brought real progress,
transparency and accountability to Nigeria. During his tenure as Minister of
the FCT, El-Rufai’s administration was recognized globally as a model of
transparency and efficiency, implementing policies and recruiting personnel
that enhanced the viability of the federal capital as part of a wider reform
agenda.

“The accusations against El-Rufai are politically motivated and intended
to destroy the reputation of a Nigerian reformer and a results-oriented
technocrat,” said Amsterdam. “Nigerians deserve better than this.” He
continued, “These accusations are of grave concern to the international
community, particularly those concerned with human rights, democracy and good
governance in Africa.”

The Bureau of Public Enterprises which El-Rufai headed between 1999 and
2003 provided the then newly-created Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
(EFCC) temporary offices, initial staff and other resources to begin its
successful anti-corruption campaign in 2003. The tenacity and effectiveness
of the EFCC has prompted political reprisals against El-Rufai and Nuhu
Ribadu, who were seen as the driving force behind the Commission’s successful
prosecutions. Both El-Rufai and Ribadu are now outside of Nigeria for their
own safety.

Robert Amsterdam is the founding partner of the Toronto- and London,
U.K.-based law firm Amsterdam & Peroff. More information on this case can be
found at www.robertamsterdam.com.

Source: Amsterdam & Peroff

James Kimer, +1-917-355-0717, James.kimer at ksocialmedia.com