Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned that the current administration will be held accountable if anything happens to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following reports that he suffered a nosebleed while in detention.
Atiku described the development as deeply troubling and unacceptable in a democratic setting, stressing that El-Rufai’s health and welfare are matters of grave concern to his family, friends and associates.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the former vice president said the Federal Government owes Nigerians clarity regarding the circumstances of the former governor’s detention. He called on authorities to clearly state which agency is holding El-Rufai, whether the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, State Security Service, or any other security agency.
According to Atiku, Nigerians deserve transparency, noting that secrecy surrounding detentions only fuels suspicion and erodes public trust.
“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 said.
He added that reports of El-Rufai suffering a nosebleed while family members were allegedly denied access were disturbing and incompatible with democratic norms.
Atiku further stated that if authorities cannot guarantee the former governor’s health and fundamental rights, the lawful and humane course of action would be to grant him bail without delay.
“If anything happens to El-Rufai, this government will be held accountable,” he warned.
The former vice president also expressed concern over what he described as a growing perception of selective prosecution, alleging that opposition figures were being aggressively targeted while others were shielded from investigation or interrogation.
“Anti-corruption must not become a political weapon,” he said, adding that justice must be transparent, accountability even-handed, and the rule of law applied without fear, favour or political bias.
