Atiku Abubakar has raised concern over the detention of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, calling on the Federal Government to provide immediate clarification on his whereabouts and condition.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Atiku said El-Rufai’s health and welfare have led to serious concerns among his family, friends and associates.
The ex-Vice President asked the Nigerian government to disclose which agency is responsible for the former governor’s detention – whether it is the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, the State Security Service, DSS, or any other outfit.
The Federal Government owes Nigerians clarity Atiku stated, warning that secrecy surrounding detentions only fuels suspicion and undermines public trust.
He stressed that whichever agency is holding El-Rufai has a constitutional obligation to ensure his safety, preserve his dignity, and grant him access to medical care, family members, and legal representatives.
The former VP described as “deeply troubling” reports that El-Rufai suffered a nosebleed in custody while family members were allegedly denied access to him, saying such developments are unacceptable in a democratic society.
Atiku added that if authorities are unable to guarantee El-Rufai’s health and fundamental rights, he should be granted bail without delay.
He cautioned that the government would be held accountable should any harm come to the former governor.
Beyond the immediate concerns, Atiku also warned against what he described as a growing perception of selective prosecution, alleging that opposition figures are being aggressively targeted while others are shielded from scrutiny.
The anti-corruption campaign must not become a political weapon, he said, arguing that efforts to ensure accountability must be transparent, even-handed, and free from political bias.
“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.
“Secrecy in matters of detention only fuels suspicion. Nigerians deserve transparency.
“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.
“Reports that he suffered a nosebleed while family members were allegedly denied access are deeply troubling and unacceptable in a democracy.
“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.
“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. Anti-corruption must not become a political weapon.
“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.
“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,” Atiku said.