Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed deep concern over the reported detention of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, calling on the Federal Government to immediately clarify his whereabouts and condition.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Atiku said uncertainty surrounding El-Rufai’s health and welfare has heightened anxiety among his family, friends and associates.
The former presidential candidate urged the government to disclose which agency is responsible for the detention whether the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the State Security Service (SSS/DSS), or any other security outfit.
The Federal Government owes Nigerians clarity,” Atiku said, warning that secrecy surrounding detentions only fuels suspicion and erodes public trust.
He stressed that any agency holding El-Rufai has a constitutional obligation to guarantee his safety, preserve his dignity and grant him access to medical care, family members and legal representatives.
Atiku described as “deeply troubling” reports that El-Rufai allegedly suffered a nosebleed while in custody and that family members were denied access to him.
Such developments are unacceptable in a democracy,” he stated, adding that if authorities cannot guarantee the former governor’s health and fundamental rights, he should be granted bail without delay.
He cautioned that the government would be held accountable should any harm come to El-Rufai.
Beyond the immediate concerns, Atiku warned of what he called a growing perception of selective prosecution, alleging that opposition figures are being aggressively targeted while others are shielded from scrutiny.
Anti-corruption must not become a political weapon,” he said, insisting that accountability efforts must be transparent, even-handed and free from political bias.
The continued detention of El-Rufai under unclear circumstances raises serious questions about motive. 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.
As of press time, there has been no official clarification from federal authorities regarding the circumstances of El-Rufai’s reported detention.
