El-Rufai suffers nosebleed in detention, aide raises concerns
Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State, reportedly suffered a nosebleed while in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), according to his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye.
In a statement released Monday night, Adekeye said the incident occurred overnight during el-Rufai’s detention. He also alleged that the anti-graft agency prevented one of the former governor’s wives from handing a meal directly to him on February 17, instructing her instead to pass it through commission personnel.
El-Rufai had voluntarily honoured an invitation from the EFCC on February 16 at its headquarters. Two days later, on February 18, he was taken into custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) shortly after being released by the EFCC.
Both anti-corruption agencies are investigating alleged financial misconduct during el-Rufai’s tenure as governor between 2015 and 2023. In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted him over the alleged diversion of N423 billion in public funds and accusations of money laundering, recommending a full investigation by relevant authorities.
Adekeye further claimed that el-Rufai’s legal team has not been presented with a valid remand order authorising detention beyond 48 hours without formal charges. He added that family members and lawyers have faced difficulties gaining access to him while in custody.
“El-Rufai’s lawyers reported that he experienced an episode of nosebleeding overnight,” the statement said, expressing concern about his wellbeing.
Meanwhile, a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by el-Rufai is scheduled to be heard on Wednesday at the Federal Capital Territory High Court. The suit lists the federal government, the ICPC, the EFCC, and the Department of State Services (DSS) as respondents.
The former governor, now a prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is also expected to be arraigned this week over allegations that he intercepted a telephone conversation involving Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser.
