Muyiwa Adekeye, spokesperson to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that the ex-governor suffered a nosebleed while in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a statement released late Monday, Adekeye claimed El-Rufai experienced the health episode overnight during his detention. He also alleged that one of El-Rufai’s wives was prevented from handing him food directly on February 17 and was instructed to pass it through commission personnel instead.
El-Rufai had turned himself in at the EFCC headquarters on February 16 after receiving an invitation from the agency. Two days later, he was taken into custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) following his release by the EFCC.
Both anti-graft agencies are investigating him over alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as Kaduna State governor from 2015 to 2023. In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly accused him of misappropriating N423 billion and engaging in money laundering, calling for a full probe.
Adekeye further stated that El-Rufai’s lawyers have not been presented with any remand order authorizing detention beyond 48 hours without formal charges. He also alleged that his legal team and family members have faced challenges accessing him.
Meanwhile, a Federal Capital Territory High Court is expected to hear El-Rufai’s suit seeking enforcement of his fundamental rights against the Federal Government, the ICPC, the EFCC, and the Department of State Services (DSS). He is also reportedly expected to be arraigned over allegations involving a telephone conversation linked to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
On Monday, El-Rufai filed a separate lawsuit against the ICPC, accusing the agency of unlawfully raiding his Abuja residence.
