Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned President Bola Tinubu that nothing should happen to former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai while he is in custody.
Atiku made the warning after reports that El-Rufai, who is being held by anti-corruption agencies, suffered a nosebleed and has limited access to his family and lawyers.
His aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, said El-Rufai was questioned and given administrative bail, but stayed in detention while his lawyers tried to adjust the bail terms.
Former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has asked the Federal Government to explain why former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai is still in custody.
Reports say El-Rufai has health problems and limited contact with his family and lawyers.
Atiku made the call after El-Rufai’s aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, said the former governor had a nosebleed while being held by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Adekeye added that El-Rufai was questioned and given administrative bail but stayed in detention while his lawyers tried to change the bail terms.
Speaking on Tuesday, Atiku said the situation is “a serious worry for his family, friends, and colleagues.” He said that if officials cannot guarantee El-Rufai’s health and rights, he should be released on bail immediately.
Atiku added that the government should be clear about which agency is holding El-Rufai EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the State Security Service (SSS), or another security body. He said secrecy only creates suspicion and Nigerians deserve transparency.
He stressed: “The agency in charge must ensure his safety, dignity, medical care, and access to family and lawyers. Fighting corruption should not be used for politics. Justice must be fair, open, and apply to everyone, without fear or favor.”
Atiku warned that keeping El-Rufai detained without clear reasons raises serious questions. He said the government would be held responsible if anything happens to him.
