Ex-Kaduna Gov El-Rufai Alleges Mistreatment in EFCC, ICPC Custody

Muyiwa Adekeye, media aide to former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, has expressed concern over what he describes as troubling treatment of his principal while in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement released Monday night, Adekeye said El-Rufai experienced an overnight nosebleed during detention and was prevented from receiving a meal directly from his wife on February 17.

El-Rufai voluntarily presented himself at EFCC headquarters on February 16 following an agency invitation, but was later taken into custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on February 18 after his release by the EFCC.

The anti-graft agencies are investigating El-Rufai over alleged financial improprieties during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023. In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted him over the alleged diversion of N423 billion in public funds and money laundering, recommending further investigation by anti-graft agencies.

Adekeye noted that El-Rufai’s legal team has not been presented with any remand order authorising detention beyond 48 hours without charge. He added that both lawyers and family members have encountered difficulties in accessing him.

“One of his wives was not allowed to deliver his meal directly to him on the evening of February 17, but was asked to pass it through one of the commission’s personnel. His lawyers have also reported that he suffered an overnight episode of bleeding from his nose,” the statement read.

El-Rufai is scheduled to appear in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Wednesday for a hearing of his fundamental rights enforcement suit against the federal government, the ICPC, the EFCC, and the Department of State Services (DSS).

Separately, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain is expected for arraignment this week over allegations of intercepting a telephone conversation involving Nuhu Ribadu.

On Monday, he also filed a suit against the ICPC over an alleged unlawful invasion of his Abuja residence.