Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna state, has reportedly suffered nose bleeding while in the detention of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
In a statement on Monday, his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, also alleged that authorities denied the ex-governor access to his wives, who came to deliver food to him.
Eight Days in Detention
Adekeye said El-Rufai has spent eight days in custody.
The former governor had voluntarily honoured an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16.
After officials interrogated him for two days, he was granted administrative bail.
The commission also required him to provide a serving federal permanent secretary as surety.
His lawyers later applied for a variation of the bail terms.
Despite this, the EFCC kept him in custody until the night of February 18. before transferring him to the ICPC.
Adekeye said the ICPC has not responded to his lawyers’ application for bail.
He added that the commission has not shown them any remand order.
According to him, the constitutional 48-hour limit for detention without charge has expired.
Alleged Restrictions and Health Concerns
Furthermore, the statement raised concerns about his treatment in custody.
Adekeye alleged that officials restricted access to him.
He said one of El-Rufai’s wives was not allowed to hand over food directly, adding that officers instructed her to pass the meal through commission personnel.
In addition, his lawyers disclosed that he suffered an overnight nosebleeding episode while in detention.
Court Hearings This Week
Meanwhile, the legal battle shifts to the courts.
The FCT High Court will hear his fundamental rights enforcement suit on February 25. He filed the suit against the federal government, the ICPC, the EFCC and the Department of State Services (DSS).
He seeks bail and challenges the legality of his detention.
On the same day, authorities are expected to arraign him on charges filed by the DSS.
Search Warrant Challenge
Earlier, on February 19, ICPC officials searched his Aso Drive residence.
His legal team described the search as unlawful.
Subsequently, he filed a suit at the Federal High Court. He asked the court to declare the search warrant invalid. He also requested an order preventing authorities from using items recovered during the search in any proceedings against him.
