Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government to grant immediate bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, if it cannot guarantee his health and safety in detention, warning that the present administration would be held responsible should anything happen to him.
El-Rufai has been in custody since February 16 after honouring an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He was later transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Officials of the commission subsequently raided his Abuja residence an action he is currently challenging in court.
Providing an update, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai’s media aide, alleged that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain suffered a nose bleeding in custody and that one of his wives was prevented from handing food to him directly.
In a post on his social media platforms, Atiku described the reports as disturbing, saying the former governor’s health and welfare remain a serious concern to his family and associates.
He maintained that where authorities are unable to guarantee El-Rufai’s health and fundamental rights, the lawful course of action is to release him without delay.
“If anything happens to El-Rufai, this government will be held accountable,” Atiku said.
The former Vice-President also demanded clarity on the circumstances surrounding the detention.
“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.
“Secrecy in matters of detention only fuels suspicion. Nigerians deserve transparency.
“Whichever agency is responsible has a constitutional duty to guarantee his safety, dignity, access to medical care, and access to his family and legal representatives.”
Atiku, who is also an ADC chieftain, described the alleged nosebleed and reported restriction of family access as inconsistent with democratic standards.
“More troubling, however, is the growing perception of selective prosecution, in which opposition figures are aggressively pursued, while others are conspicuously shielded from investigation or interrogation. Anti-corruption must not become a political weapon.
“The continued detention of El-Rufai under unclear circumstances raises serious questions about motive. Anti-corruption cannot be credible when it appears partisan, coercive, or strategically timed.
“Justice must be transparent. Accountability must be even-handed. And the rule of law must apply to all; without fear, without favour, and without political bias,” he said.
