Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government to immediately clarify the whereabouts of Malam Nasir El-Rufai and guarantee his safety.
Atiku has also warned that the former Kaduna State Governor’s continued detention under unclear circumstances raises serious questions about motive.
In a statement personally signed by him on Tuesday, Atiku expressed grave concern over the health and welfare of El-Rufai, demanding transparency from the authorities regarding which agency is holding him.
“The health and welfare of Nasir El-Rufai is a matter of grave concern to his family, friends, and associates. 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”, Atiku said.
Atiku stressed that secrecy in matters of detention only fuels suspicion, adding that Nigerians deserve full transparency. He emphasised that whichever agency is responsible has a constitutional duty to uphold El-Rufai’s rights.
“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,” the former Vice President stated.
Citing troubling reports about El-Rufai’s health condition, Atiku said: “Reports that he suffered a nosebleed while family members were allegedly denied access are deeply troubling and unacceptable in a democracy.”
He warned the government of the consequences should anything happen to the detained former governor while in custody. “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 used the opportunity to address broader concerns about the conduct of anti-corruption agencies under the current administration, alleging a pattern of selective prosecution.
“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,” he said. “Anti-corruption must not become a political weapon.”
The former Vice President suggested that the timing and circumstances of El-Rufai’s detention point to ulterior motives. “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.”
He concluded by calling for justice and accountability to be applied evenly across the board. “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.”
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