ATIKU CALLS FOR TRANSPARENCY ON EL-RUFAI DETENTION, RAISES HEALTH CONCERNS
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged the Federal Government to clarify the circumstances surrounding the detention of ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, amid reports of health complications and restricted access to his family and lawyers.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Atiku described the situation as “a matter of grave concern to his family, friends, and associates.”
He stressed that “the Federal Government owes Nigerians clarity. It must state clearly which agency is holding him—whether the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, the State Security Service, or any other arm of the security establishment.”
Atiku warned that “secrecy in matters of detention only fuels suspicion. Nigerians deserve transparency. Whichever agency is responsible has a constitutional duty to guarantee his safety, dignity, access to medical care, and access to his family and legal representatives.”
The statement comes after allegations by Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai’s media aide, that the former governor experienced a nosebleed while in EFCC custody.
Adekeye stated that El-Rufai was interrogated and later granted administrative bail, but remained in detention as his legal team sought a variation of the bail conditions.
He added, “Neither the lawyers nor the family have been presented with any remand order authorizing detention beyond 48 hours without charge, and they have faced difficulties in gaining access to him while in custody.”
Adekeye further alleged that on February 17, “one of his wives was prevented from delivering his meal directly and was instead instructed to hand it to him through a commission staff member. His lawyers also reported that he experienced an overnight nosebleed.” He revealed that on February 18, El-Rufai was transferred without prior notice from EFCC custody to the ICPC.
Responding to these developments, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said, “If the authorities cannot guarantee his health and fundamental rights, the lawful and humane course of action is to grant him bail without delay.
“Anti-corruption must not be used as a political tool. Justice must be transparent, accountability must be fair, and the rule of law must apply to all—without fear, favour, or political bias.”
He added that selective prosecution fosters perceptions of partisanship, warning, “The continued detention of El-Rufai under unclear circumstances raises serious questions about motive. Should anything happen to him, this government will be held responsible.”
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