Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has cautioned the Federal Government that it would be held accountable if any harm comes to former Kaduna State governor Nasir El Rufai, who is currently in custody.
El Rufai reportedly honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16. After being released two days later, he was taken into custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. Both agencies are investigating alleged financial irregularities linked to his administration in Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.
In a statement issued by his media aide Muyiwa Adekeye, it was disclosed that the former governor has spent eight days in detention and reportedly suffered a nosebleed overnight while in custody. The statement also claimed that his lawyers have not been shown any remand order authorising detention beyond the constitutionally permitted 48 hours without charge. It further alleged that family members and legal representatives have faced difficulties accessing him.
Reacting via a post on X, Atiku expressed concern over El Rufai health and well being. He urged the government to clarify which agency currently has custody of the former governor, whether it is the EFCC, ICPC, the State Security Service, or another security body.
Atiku stressed that any agency responsible has a constitutional duty to guarantee safety, dignity, medical care, and access to family and lawyers. He warned that if anything happens to El Rufai, the government would be held accountable, adding that the fight against corruption must remain transparent and free from political bias.
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