The drama around the detention of former Kaduna governor, Nasir el-Rufai, worsened on Tuesday after his aide alleged he suffered a nosebleed while in custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Muyiwa Adekeye, his media aide, said the former governor experienced the episode overnight and also faced restrictions while being held.
According to him, one of el-Rufai’s wives was stopped from handing his food to him directly on February 17.
“One of his wives was not allowed to deliver his meal directly to him on the evening of 17th February, but was asked to pass it to him through one of the commission’s personnel. His lawyers have reported that he suffered an overnight episode of bleeding from his nose,” the statement reads.
El-Rufai had voluntarily honoured an EFCC invitation on February 16. Days later, he was transferred into the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) after his release by the EFCC.
The twin anti-graft agencies are probing him over alleged financial improprieties during his 2015–2023 tenure as governor.
The investigation gained momentum after the Kaduna State House of Assembly, in 2024, accused him of allegedly diverting N423 billion and engaging in money laundering, urging security agencies to investigate.
Adekeye also claimed el-Rufai’s legal team has not been shown any remand order authorising detention beyond 48 hours without charge, adding that his family and lawyers are “having difficulties in securing access to him in detention”.
Courtroom fireworks are expected as a Federal Capital Territory High Court prepares to hear his fundamental rights enforcement suit against the federal government, the ICPC, the EFCC and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain is set for arraignment over allegations that he intercepted a telephone conversation involving Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser.
