If Anything Happens to El-Rufai, Tinubu’s Govt Will Be Held Accountable — Atiku Issues Stern Warning

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has cautioned the Federal Government led by Bola Tinubu against any harm befalling former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who is reportedly in detention.

In a statement on his X handle on Tuesday, Atiku said the government must clarify which security agency is holding El-Rufai.

“The health and welfare of El-Rufai is a matter of grave concern to his family, friends, and associates,” he said.

“The Federal Government owes Nigerians clarity. It must state clearly which agency is holding him, whether the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the State Security Service (SSS), or any other arm of the security establishment.

“Secrecy in matters of detention only fuels suspicion. Nigerians deserve transparency.

“Whichever agency is responsible has a constitutional duty to guarantee his safety, dignity, access to medical care, and access to his family and legal representatives.”

He described reports that El-Rufai suffered a nosebleed while family members were allegedly denied access to him as disturbing.

“Reports that he suffered a nosebleed while family members were allegedly denied access are deeply troubling and unacceptable in a democracy.

“If the authorities cannot guarantee his health and fundamental rights, the lawful and humane course of action is to grant him bail without delay. If anything happens to El-Rufai, this government will be held accountable.”

Atiku also raised concerns over what he described as selective prosecution of opposition figures.

“More troubling, however, is the growing perception of selective prosecution, in which opposition figures are aggressively pursued while others are conspicuously shielded from investigation or interrogation. Anti-corruption must not become a political weapon.

“The continued detention of El-Rufai under unclear circumstances raises serious questions about motive. Anti-corruption cannot be credible when it appears partisan, coercive, 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.”

This comment comes after an aide to El-Rufai, Muyiwa Adeleke, alleged in a statement that the former governor suffered a nosebleed while in custody.

Adeleke also claimed that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission prevented El-Rufai from receiving a meal brought by his wife on February 17.

He further alleged that the former governor’s legal team had not been shown any remand order authorising his detention beyond 48 hours without charge, adding that both his lawyers and family members were facing difficulties gaining access to him.