Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigeria’s Federal Government to either guarantee the health and safety of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai or grant him bail immediately, warning that authorities would be held responsible for any harm that befalls him.
In a statement posted on his social media platform X on Tuesday, Atiku expressed grave concern over El-Rufai’s wellbeing, noting that his family, friends, and associates are deeply worried. He called for transparency regarding which agency is detaining the former governor—whether the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), State Security Service (SSS), or another security body—stating that the detaining authority has a constitutional duty to ensure his safety, dignity, access to medical care, and contact with family and lawyers.
The statement referenced reports that El-Rufai suffered a nosebleed while family members were allegedly denied access, describing such incidents as “deeply troubling and unacceptable in a democracy.” Atiku argued that if the government cannot meet its obligations to protect El-Rufai’s health and fundamental rights, the only lawful and humane option is to release him on bail without delay.
Beyond the specific case, Atiku raised a broader concern about the perception of selective prosecution. He cautioned that anti-corruption efforts must not be used as a political weapon, stating that the continued detention of El-Rufai under unclear circumstances “raises serious questions about motive.” He asserted that credible anti-corruption enforcement must appear impartial, not partisan, coercive, or strategically timed.
The former vice president concluded by reiterating the need for justice to be transparent, accountability to be even-handed, and the rule of law to apply universally “without fear, without favour, and without political bias.”
El-Rufai, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics who served two terms as Kaduna governor, has been in detention for several weeks. The exact agency holding him and the formal charges, if any, have not been officially confirmed, contributing to the uncertainty cited by Atiku. The case has drawn attention to due process and the treatment of high-profile political figures in Nigeria’s current anti-corruption climate. Atiku’s statement underscores the political sensitivities surrounding the issue and places significant pressure on the government to clarify its actions and uphold constitutional obligations.
