Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has cautioned the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu against any harm coming to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, amid uncertainty surrounding his detention.
Concerns over El-Rufai’s wellbeing intensified after his aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, disclosed that the former governor reportedly experienced a nosebleed while in custody.
The aide also alleged that authorities prevented El-Rufai’s wife from handing over a meal to him directly on February 17, insisting it be delivered through an official instead.
Adekeye further claimed that the former governor’s legal representatives have not been presented with any remand order authorising his detention beyond the constitutionally permitted 48 hours without formal charges.
According to him, both family members and lawyers have faced challenges gaining access to El-Rufai.
Atiku Speaks
In a statement issued Tuesday, Atiku demanded clarity from the Federal Government regarding which security or anti-graft agency currently holds the former governor.
He urged the authorities to publicly identify whether El-Rufai is in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the State Security Service (SSS), or any other security body.
Atiku stressed that transparency is essential in matters involving detention, warning that secrecy only deepens public suspicion.
He maintained that whichever agency is responsible has a constitutional obligation to safeguard El-Rufai’s health, dignity, and fundamental rights, including access to medical care, family, and legal counsel.
Bail Without Delay
Describing reports of a nosebleed and restricted family access as disturbing, Atiku argued that if authorities are unable to guarantee the former governor’s safety and rights, he should be granted bail without delay.
He warned that the Tinubu administration would be held accountable should any harm befall El-Rufai.
The former vice president also expressed concern over what he described as a growing perception of selective prosecution.
According to him, anti-corruption efforts risk losing credibility if they appear politically motivated or unevenly enforced.
Also Read: Nasir El-Rufai Suffers Nosebleed in EFCC Custody Amid Financial Probe
He insisted that justice must be impartial, transparent, and free from political bias, emphasising that the rule of law must apply equally to all Nigerians.