Atiku Warns Government Over El Rufai’s Safety in Custody

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the Federal Government would be held responsible if anything happens to former Kaduna State governor Nasir el Rufai while in detention.

El Rufai presented himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16 after receiving an invitation from the agency. Two days later, he was taken into custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission following his release from the EFCC.

The anti corruption agencies are investigating alleged financial misconduct during his time as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.

On Monday, el Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, said the former governor had been in custody for eight days. He claimed that el Rufai experienced a nosebleed overnight while detained and that his lawyers had not been shown any court order authorising his continued detention beyond 48 hours without formal charges. Adekeye also stated that family members and members of his legal team were facing difficulties gaining access to him.

Reacting in a post on X, Atiku said the health and wellbeing of the former governor should be treated as a serious matter. He called on the authorities to clearly state which agency is currently holding el Rufai, whether it is the EFCC, the ICPC, the State Security Service or any other body.

He argued that a lack of transparency in detention matters only increases public suspicion and that Nigerians deserve clarity. According to him, whichever agency is responsible has a constitutional obligation to ensure el Rufai’s safety, dignity, medical care and access to his family and lawyers.

Atiku added that if the agencies cannot guarantee these rights, the proper step would be to grant him bail without delay. He warned that the government would be accountable if any harm comes to the former governor.

The former vice president also expressed concern about what he described as a growing perception of selective prosecution. He said anti corruption efforts should not be used as a political tool and that continued detention under unclear circumstances raises questions about fairness.

He maintained that justice must be open and impartial, insisting that the rule of law should apply equally to all citizens without bias or favour.

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