Disclose El-Rufai’s Whereabouts, Health Condition, Former VP Atiku Tells FG, APC
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, has expressed concern over the detention of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, calling on the federal government to provide immediate clarification on his whereabouts and condition.
In a statement, Atiku said El-Rufai’s health and welfare have led to serious concerns among his family, friends and associates.
He asked the Nigerian government to disclose which agency was responsible for the former governor’s detention – whether it was the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the State Security Service (DSS), or any other outfit.
“The federal government owes Nigerians clarity,” Atiku stated, warning that secrecy surrounding detentions could only fuel suspicion and undermine public trust.
He stressed that whichever agency was holding El-Rufai has a constitutional obligation to ensure his safety, preserve his dignity, and grant him access to medical care, family members, and legal representatives.
The former VP described as “deeply troubling” reports that El-Rufai suffered a nosebleed in custody while family members were allegedly denied access to him, saying such developments were unacceptable in a democratic society.
He added that if authorities were unable to guarantee El-Rufai’s health and fundamental rights, he should be granted bail without delay, just as he cautioned that the government would be held accountable should any harm come to the former governor.
Atiku also warned against what he described as a growing perception of selective prosecution, alleging that opposition figures were being aggressively targeted while others are shielded from scrutiny.
“The anti-corruption campaign must not become a political weapon,” he said, arguing that efforts to ensure accountability must be transparent, even-handed, and free from political bias.
At the same time, an aide to the former Kaduna State governor, Muyiwa Adekeye, said El-Rufai remained in detention as the ICPC, has yet to act on his bail application.
In a statement, Adekeye said it has been eight days since El-Rufai honoured an invitation by the EFCC on February 16, 2026.
He was initially detained by the EFCC before being transferred to ICPC custody, adding that the ICPC has been ignoring El-Rufai’s bail request.
Adekeye noted that despite submitting a formal bail request after interrogation, the former governor’s legal team has yet to receive any response from the commission.
He stressed that no remand order has been presented to justify the continued detention, even as the constitutional 48 hours limit for holding a suspect without charge has since passed.
