Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has warned that the federal government will be held responsible if anything happens to Malam Nasir El-Rufai in detention.
Atiku made the statement in a post on X on Tuesday amid ongoing concerns over El-Rufai’s detention.
Demands Clarity on Detention
Earlier, Muyiwa Adekeye, media aide to El-Rufai had alleged that he suffered nose bleeding while in custody.
Atiku said El-Rufai’s health and welfare remain a matter of grave concern to his family and associates.
He asked the federal government to clearly state which agency is holding him.
The former Vice President said that either the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), or the Department of State Services (DSS), is holding El-Rufai.
“The Federal Government owes Nigerians clarity,” he said.
He argued that secrecy surrounding detention fuels suspicion and undermines public trust.
“Nigerians deserve transparency,” he added.
Raises Health Concerns
Atiku also expressed concern over reports that El-Rufai suffered a nosebleed in custody.
He described allegations that family members were denied access to him as troubling and unacceptable in a democracy.
The ADC stalwart said that whichever agency is holding the former governor has a constitutional duty to guarantee his safety, dignity, access to medical care and access to his family and lawyers.
If authorities cannot ensure his health and fundamental rights, Atiku said they should grant him bail without delay.
“If anything happens to El-Rufai, this government will be held accountable,” he warned.
Alleges Selective Prosecution
Furthermore, Atiku raised concerns about what he described as selective prosecution.
He said opposition figures appear to face aggressive investigation while others remain shielded.
“Anti-corruption must not become a political weapon,” he stated.
He argued that anti-corruption efforts lose credibility when they appear partisan 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,” he said.
