Fresh concerns have been raised over the health and welfare of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following claims that he suffered a nosebleed while in custody and was denied direct access to food brought by his family, SAVANNAH NEWSNOW REPORTS.
In a statement released on Monday, his media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, alleged that the former governor has remained in detention for eight days after honouring an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16, 2026.
According to the statement, El-Rufai was interrogated by operatives of the anti-corruption agency and granted administrative bail. However, he has continued to be held in custody while his legal team seeks a variation of the bail conditions, a development Adekeye described as unjustifiable.
The aide further alleged that on February 17, one of El-Rufai’s wives attempted to deliver food to him but was prevented from handing it over personally. She was reportedly instructed to pass the meal through an EFCC official for onward delivery.
Adekeye also claimed that the former governor experienced an overnight nosebleed during his detention, heightening concerns among his lawyers about his health and access to adequate care, family members, and legal counsel.
He disclosed that on the night of February 18, El-Rufai was transferred from EFCC custody to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission without prior notice to him or his legal representatives. The legal team, he said, has since applied for bail before the commission but has yet to receive a response.
The statement maintained that no valid remand order has been presented to justify the former governor’s continued detention beyond constitutionally permitted limits.
El-Rufai is expected to appear before the Federal High Court on February 25 in a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed against the Federal Government, the ICPC, the EFCC, and the Department of State Services, seeking an order admitting him to bail.
Adekeye warned that the alleged treatment raises serious questions about due process and the protection of detainees’ rights as legal proceedings commence.
