Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed deep concern over the health and continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following reports that he suffered a nosebleed while in custody.
In a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, Atiku warned that secrecy surrounding El-Rufai’s detention could erode public trust and deepen suspicions about the government’s intentions.
He said: “The health and welfare of @elrufai is a matter of grave concern to his family, friends, and associates.”
Atiku questioned the lack of transparency over which security agency is responsible for holding El-Rufai, urging the Federal Government to be open with Nigerians.
He stated: “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.”
The former vice president added that secrecy in detention matters only fuels public suspicion.
“Secrecy in matters of detention only fuels suspicion. Nigerians deserve transparency.”
Expressing concern over El-Rufai’s reported health condition and alleged denial of family access, Atiku described the situation as unacceptable in a democratic society.
He said: “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.”
“Reports that he suffered a nosebleed while family members were allegedly denied access are deeply troubling and unacceptable in a democracy.”
Atiku warned that if authorities are unable to safeguard El-Rufai’s health and rights, they must act without delay.
According to him: “If the authorities cannot guarantee his health and fundamental rights, the lawful and humane course of action is to grant him bail without delay. If anything happens to El-Rufai, this government will be held accountable.”
The former PDP presidential candidate also raised concerns about what he described as growing selective prosecution, warning against the politicisation of anti-corruption efforts.
He said: “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.”
Atiku further questioned the motive behind El-Rufai’s continued detention.
“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.”
Concluding his statement, Atiku stressed the need for fairness, transparency, and justice in Nigeria’s democratic system.
He declared: “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.”