Atiku Abubakar has voiced his deep unease regarding the ongoing detention of Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, urging the Federal Government to immediately clear the air about his current location and physical state.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, Atiku pointed out that the lack of information regarding El-Rufai’s health and well-being has sparked intense anxiety among his inner circle, family, and political colleagues.
The former Vice President called on the administration to identify exactly which security or anti-graft body is holding the former governor—be it the EFCC, the ICPC, the DSS, or any other government agency.
Atiku insisted that the public deserves a straight answer, cautioning that keeping such detentions shrouded in mystery only creates doubt and damages the government’s credibility.
He emphasized that any agency currently holding El-Rufai is constitutionally required to protect his life, treat him with respect, and allow him to see his doctors, relatives, and lawyers.
The former VP characterized the claims of El-Rufai suffering a nosebleed while being kept away from his family as “deeply troubling,” noting that such incidents have no place in a functioning democracy.
Atiku further suggested that if the state cannot ensure El-Rufai’s safety and uphold his basic rights, he ought to be released on bail right away.
He gave a stern reminder that the current administration will be held responsible if the former governor’s health deteriorates or if he comes to any harm.
Looking at the broader picture, Atiku also spoke out against what he sees as a worrying trend of selective justice, claiming that members of the opposition are being singled out while others remain untouched.
The fight against corruption should never be used to settle political scores, he argued, maintaining that any push for accountability must be open, fair, and completely non-partisan.
“The health and welfare of Nasir El-Rufai is a matter of grave concern to his family, friends, and associates.
“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.
“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.
“Reports that he suffered a nosebleed while family members were allegedly denied access are deeply troubling and unacceptable in a democracy.
“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.
“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,” Atiku said.