Atiku Abubakar Demands Clarity on Detention and Health of Nasir El-Rufai
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential aspirant, Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Federal Government to provide urgent clarification regarding the whereabouts and well-being of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
In a statement shared via his official X handle, Atiku questioned which security agency is currently holding the former minister and condemned the lack of transparency surrounding his detention.
Mallam El-Rufai is reportedly the subject of multi-agency investigations involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) over allegations of financial misconduct.
Additionally, he faces potential prosecution by the State Security Service (SSS) for alleged cybercrime-related offenses. Atiku expressed deep concern over reports regarding El-Rufai’s health, specifically mentioning claims that the former governor suffered a nosebleed while in custody and that his family has been denied access to him.
Atiku cautioned the government that it would be held strictly accountable should any harm befall El-Rufai while in state custody. He argued that the constitutional rights of the detainee including access to medical care, legal representation, and family must be upheld to maintain democratic standards.
He further suggested that if the authorities cannot guarantee El-Rufai’s fundamental rights and health, he should be granted bail without further delay.
The former Vice President also criticized what he described as a growing perception of selective prosecution. He warned that anti-corruption efforts lose credibility when they appear to be used as political weapons against opposition figures while others are shielded from similar scrutiny.
Atiku concluded by asserting that justice must be even-handed and transparent, emphasizing that the rule of law should apply to all citizens regardless of their political affiliations.
