Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has raised serious concerns over the reported detention of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, demanding immediate clarity from the Federal Government on his whereabouts and condition.
In a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, Atiku described El-Rufai’s health and welfare as “a matter of grave concern” to his loved ones and associates.
“The health and welfare of @elrufai is a matter of grave concern to his family, friends, and associates,” Atiku wrote.
He called on the Federal Government to clearly state which security or anti-graft agency is responsible for the former governor’s detention.
“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,” he said.
According to Atiku, secrecy surrounding the circumstances of El-Rufai’s detention only deepens public suspicion.
“Secrecy in matters of detention only fuels suspicion. Nigerians deserve transparency,” he stated.
He further stressed that whichever agency is involved has a constitutional obligation to safeguard El-Rufai’s fundamental rights.
“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,” Atiku added.
The former presidential candidate expressed particular concern over reports about El-Rufai’s health while in custody.
“Reports that he suffered a nosebleed while family members were allegedly denied access are deeply troubling and unacceptable in a democracy,” he said.
Atiku warned that failure to protect El-Rufai’s rights could have serious consequences for the government.
“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,” he declared.
Beyond the immediate issue of detention, Atiku also criticised what he described as a pattern of selective prosecution.
“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,” he wrote.
He argued that the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s detention undermine public confidence in anti-corruption efforts.
“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,” Atiku stated.
Concluding his statement, he emphasised the need for fairness and adherence to the rule of law.
“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.”
