Manny Ita –
The family of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of restricting his access to food and medical care while he remains in detention over allegations of financial misconduct linked to his time in office.
In a statement issued by his son, Mohammed El-Rufai, the family alleged that officials of the anti-graft agency prevented the former governor’s personal doctor from meeting him despite what they described as a valid court order granting him access to medical personnel. The doctor was reportedly turned away when he visited the ICPC headquarters to present medical test results and assess El-Rufai’s condition.
The family also claimed that El-Rufai’s wife was denied entry when she attempted to deliver food to him in the evening, with security personnel allegedly stating that deliveries were not allowed beyond a specified time. They described the actions as unlawful and a violation of his fundamental rights, insisting that detention does not remove the right to adequate healthcare and family support.
Mohammed El-Rufai condemned the situation as an abuse of power and demanded full respect for his father’s constitutional rights, including unrestricted access to medical care and legal representation.
El-Rufai is currently being held in connection with an ICPC investigation into alleged corruption and abuse of office during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023. The commission is said to have obtained a remand order pending the conclusion of its inquiry.
The case has sparked political debate, with supporters arguing that the detention is politically motivated, while critics maintain that the former governor must face accountability for decisions made while in office. The ICPC has not yet issued an official response to the latest allegations.
