By Paul Joseph
Fresh details have emerged over the detention of former Nasir El-Rufai, with his aide alleging that the ex-governor suffered a nosebleed while in custody.
In a statement, Muyiwa Adekeye said the incident occurred overnight while El-Rufai was being held by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Adekeye also claimed that on February 17, the former governor was prevented from receiving a meal directly from his wife and was instructed that the food must be handed over through an official of the commission.
El-Rufai reportedly presented himself at the EFCC headquarters on February 16 after receiving an invitation. Two days later, he was taken into custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) following his release by the EFCC.
Both anti-graft agencies are investigating alleged financial misconduct during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023. In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted him over the alleged diversion of N423 billion and money laundering, and called for a full probe into the matter.
Adekeye further alleged that El-Rufai’s lawyers have not been shown any remand order permitting his detention beyond 48 hours without formal charges. He added that family members and legal representatives have faced difficulties accessing the former governor while in detention.
The case is expected to take another turn on Wednesday, when a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by El-Rufai will be heard at the Federal Capital Territory High Court. He is also expected to be arraigned this week over allegations of intercepting a telephone conversation involving Nuhu Ribadu.
On Monday, the former governor filed a separate suit against the ICPC, accusing the agency of unlawfully invading his Abuja residence.
With multiple court proceedings looming and parallel investigations underway, the legal battle surrounding El-Rufai appears set for further twists in the days ahead.
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