Atiku Demands Clarity from FG Over El-Rufai’s Detention, Raises Health Concerns

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged the Federal Government to provide clear information regarding the detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following reports of health issues and restricted access to his family and legal team.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Mr. Abubakar described the circumstances surrounding the detention as a source of serious concern. He called on the government to specify the agency holding the former governor.

“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,” the statement read.

Mr. Abubakar emphasised the need for transparency, noting that a lack of information could lead to public suspicion. He stressed that any agency responsible for the detention has a constitutional duty to ensure Mr. El-Rufai’s safety, dignity, and access to medical care, as well as contact with his family and lawyers.

The call for transparency follows allegations from Mr. El-Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, that the former governor experienced a nosebleed while in custody. According to Mr. Adekeye, Mr. El-Rufai was interrogated by the EFCC and subsequently granted administrative bail, but remained detained as his legal team worked to have the bail conditions varied.

Mr. Adekeye further claimed that family and legal representatives have not been shown any remand order to justify detention beyond the constitutionally stipulated 48 hours without charge. He also alleged that access to the former governor has been difficult. On February 18, Mr. Adekeye said, Mr. El-Rufai was transferred without prior notice from EFCC custody to the ICPC.

Reacting to these developments, Mr. Atiku warned that if authorities cannot guarantee the health and rights of the detainee, the appropriate course of action would be to grant him bail without further delay. He cautioned against the perception of selective justice, stating that anti-corruption efforts must not be wielded as a political tool.

“Justice must be transparent. Accountability must be even-handed. And the rule of law must apply to all, without fear, without favour, and without political bias,” Mr. Atiku stated, adding that a lack of clarity on the matter raises questions about the motives behind the continued detention.

As of the time of this report, there has been no official response from the EFCC or the ICPC clarifying the legal basis for Mr. El-Rufai’s detention or addressing the health concerns raised by his associates.