Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Carmen Diego
Concerns have emerged regarding the condition and continued detention of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El‑Rufai following statements released by his media adviser alleging health challenges and procedural irregularities surrounding his custody under Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies.
The comments were made by Muyiwa Adekeye, who spoke on behalf of the former governor’s associates, expressing apprehension over El-Rufai’s welfare after reporting that he experienced a nosebleed while in detention. Adekeye also alleged that El-Rufai’s wife was prevented from delivering food directly to him, stating that she was instructed to hand over the meal to an official rather than personally present it to her husband.
According to the statement, El-Rufai voluntarily responded to an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16, 2026. Adekeye said the former governor was questioned by investigators and subsequently granted administrative bail; however, he remained in custody while his legal representatives sought a review of the bail conditions.
The aide described the continued detention as unjustified, arguing that the circumstances contradicted constitutional safeguards governing pre-trial liberty. He further alleged that the detention had extended beyond what he described as the legally permissible period without the presentation of a remand order authorising further custody.
Adekeye’s statement also claimed that on February 18, El-Rufai was transferred from EFCC custody to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission without prior notification to his legal team. The alleged transfer has generated debate among legal observers, particularly regarding communication protocols between investigative agencies and defence counsel during ongoing inquiries.
Since the transfer, the former governor’s lawyers reportedly applied for bail from the ICPC but have yet to receive an official response. The media adviser maintained that the absence of a judicial remand order raises constitutional questions about the legality of prolonged detention.
The statement also disclosed that El-Rufai is scheduled to appear in court on February 25 in connection with a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed against the Federal Government and three security and anti-corruption agencies, including the EFCC, ICPC and the Department of State Services. The suit reportedly seeks judicial intervention to secure bail and address what his legal team describes as restrictions on access to counsel and family members.
Legal analysts note that Nigerian constitutional law provides specific protections regarding detention duration and access to legal representation. The controversy surrounding El-Rufai’s custody has therefore become part of a broader public discussion about enforcement practices by investigative authorities.
The EFCC and ICPC had not issued detailed public responses addressing the specific allegations raised by Adekeye at the time of reporting. Officials from both agencies have generally maintained that investigations are being conducted within the framework of Nigerian law. However, neither agency confirmed or denied the reported nosebleed incident or the alleged restriction of family visitation arrangements.
Health concerns raised in the statement have attracted attention because detention facilities are legally expected to provide basic medical monitoring for persons in custody. Human rights advocates have emphasised that access to medical attention is a core obligation of law enforcement agencies, particularly when detainees report symptoms that may indicate acute health events.
El-Rufai’s political profile and past governance record have also contributed to the widespread public interest surrounding the case. The former governor served as the executive leader of Kaduna State in northern Nigeria and was previously a prominent federal minister responsible for urban development policies. His tenure in public office was marked by both infrastructural initiatives and political controversies, making any legal developments involving him highly sensitive within Nigeria’s political landscape.
Security and anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria have in recent years intensified investigations into alleged financial misconduct involving former public officials. The government has repeatedly argued that such enforcement actions are necessary to strengthen institutional accountability and deter corruption. Critics, however, have urged authorities to ensure that anti-graft campaigns strictly adhere to constitutional due process standards to avoid perceptions of selective enforcement.
The alleged transfer of El-Rufai between agencies without prior notification has sparked discussions among legal practitioners about inter-agency custody management. Some constitutional scholars suggest that while investigative cooperation between security bodies is permissible, detainees retain the right to legal communication and humane treatment under Nigerian law.
Political observers have warned that high-profile detention controversies often generate significant public discourse, especially when they involve former senior government officials. The outcome of the pending fundamental rights suit is expected to clarify several procedural issues, including the legality of extended administrative detention, access to medical evaluation, and notification requirements during inter-agency transfers.
Public reaction to the development has been divided. Supporters of the former governor have called for his immediate release on bail, arguing that investigation should not translate into prolonged custody. Others have expressed support for continued investigative scrutiny, asserting that anti-corruption enforcement must be thorough regardless of the individual’s political status.
The scheduled court appearance on February 25 is widely anticipated as a potentially decisive moment in the legal trajectory of the case. Observers believe the court’s ruling may provide guidance on detention standards, administrative bail enforcement and the balance between investigative authority and constitutional liberty rights.
As the situation evolves, attention remains focused on how Nigeria’s judicial system will address the competing concerns of criminal investigation and protection of personal freedom. The case continues to underscore the complexities surrounding anti-corruption enforcement involving prominent political figures in the country.
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