Atiku demands transparency over el-Rufai’s detention
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Federal Government to clarify the circumstances surrounding the alleged detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai. Atiku further expressed concern
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Federal Government to clarify the circumstances surrounding the alleged detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai.
Atiku further expressed concern over reports that the former governor suffered a nosebleed while family members were allegedly denied access.
He described the development as “deeply troubling and unacceptable in a democracy."
In remarks posted on his X account on Tuesday, Atiku said, “The health and welfare of @elrufai is a matter of grave concern to his family, friends, and associates.”
He urged the government to disclose the agency responsible for el-Rufai’s custody, stating, “The Federal Government owes Nigerians clarity. It must state clearly which agency is holding him, whether the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the State Security Service (SSS), or any other arm of the security establishment.”
While warning that secrecy in matters of detention only fuels suspicion and noting that Nigerians deserve transparency, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain added that whichever agency is responsible for the detention has a constitutional duty to ensure el-Rufai’s safety, dignity, access to medical care, as well as access to his family and legal representatives.
On reports that the former governor suffered a nosebleed while family members were allegedly denied access, Atiku stressed that if authorities are unable to guarantee el-Rufai’s health and fundamental rights, “the lawful and humane course of action is to grant him bail without delay.”
He also raised concerns about what he described as a growing perception of selective prosecution, stating, “Anti-corruption must not become a political weapon.”
Atiku noted that the continued detention of El-Rufai under unclear circumstances raises questions about motive, adding that anti-corruption efforts cannot be credible when they appear partisan, coercive, or strategically timed.
He stressed that justice must be transparent, accountability must be even-handed, and the rule of law must apply to all without fear or favour.
