Tinubu Urged to Ensure Fair Treatment as El-Rufai’s Family Raises Concerns Over Detention

The family of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the former governor receives what they describe as his constitutional rights while facing ongoing legal proceedings.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, El-Rufai’s wife, Asiya El-Rufai, said the family was not requesting political intervention in the court process but was asking for fair treatment, access to medical care, legal representation, and bail under reasonable conditions.

Her remarks came shortly after the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Prof. Bello Abubakar, an action reportedly confirmed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Family Appeals for Constitutional Rights

Addressing journalists alongside El-Rufai’s other wife, Aichatou, Asiya maintained that every Nigerian facing prosecution should enjoy the rights guaranteed under the Constitution regardless of political affiliation or public profile.

According to her, the family’s request is centered on ensuring that the former governor has unrestricted access to his lawyers, family members, and qualified medical professionals while his case progresses through the courts.

She emphasized that the family believes the judiciary should independently determine El-Rufai’s innocence or guilt without unnecessary obstacles affecting his ability to prepare his defence.

Tinubu Reminded of 2023 Campaign Support

In an emotional appeal directed at President Tinubu, Asiya recalled the support she and her husband gave during the 2023 presidential election campaign.

She stated that members of the family actively participated in campaign activities across Kaduna State and expressed disappointment over what she described as the current situation confronting the former governor.

While appealing to the President for compassion, she stressed that the family was not asking him to halt the prosecution but to ensure that due process and constitutional safeguards are respected throughout the legal proceedings.

Health Concerns Raised

The family also expressed concern over El-Rufai’s health, alleging that he has been diagnosed with high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar levels.

According to Asiya, restrictions on access to his personal doctors have heightened the family’s anxiety, adding that they remain worried about his overall well-being while in custody.

She further questioned reports that El-Rufai’s personal physician was prevented from seeing him following the doctor’s arrest, saying the family deserves clarity regarding decisions affecting his medical care.

Questions Over Medical Access and Legal Preparation

Beyond health concerns, the family argued that limited access to legal counsel and relatives could negatively affect El-Rufai’s ability to prepare an adequate defence.

They also raised questions about a medical report reportedly linked to the National Hospital Abuja, urging relevant authorities to verify its authenticity and clarify the circumstances surrounding its issuance.

According to the family, transparency throughout the investigation and prosecution process would help strengthen public confidence in the administration of justice.

Background to the Case

The latest appeal follows ongoing legal proceedings involving the former Kaduna governor, whose detention has generated political debate in recent weeks.

The situation drew renewed attention on Tuesday after the ICPC confirmed the arrest of Prof. Bello Abubakar, identified by the family as El-Rufai’s personal physician.

The anti-corruption agency has yet to publicly release detailed information explaining the specific circumstances surrounding the doctor’s arrest beyond confirming the action.

Why This Story Matters

The case has become significant because it touches on broader issues surrounding constitutional rights, access to healthcare for detainees, fair trial guarantees, and the independence of Nigeria’s judicial system.

Legal analysts have consistently argued that ensuring equal treatment under the law strengthens public confidence in democratic institutions, regardless of the status of those involved.

As legal proceedings continue, attention is expected to remain focused on future court rulings, possible bail decisions, and any official responses from the Presidency, the ICPC, or El-Rufai’s legal team regarding the allegations raised by his family.