By MUHAMMAD DANBABA
Abuja, Nigeria — Fresh questions are being raised about the treatment of former Kaduna State governor, , after his media aide alleged that he suffered a nosebleed while in detention and was denied direct access to meals brought by his family.
In a statement on Monday, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai’s media adviser, said the former governor has remained in detention for eight days, following a voluntary appearance before the (EFCC) on February 16, 2026.
“Adequate care for the former governor appears to have been overlooked,” Adekeye said, describing the continued detention after administrative bail was granted as “unjustifiable.”
Family Blocked From Direct Access
According to the aide, tensions escalated on February 17 when one of El-Rufai’s wives attempted to deliver food to him but was prevented from handing it over directly. She was instructed to pass the meal to an EFCC official for delivery.
Adekeye further disclosed that the former governor experienced an overnight nosebleed in detention, heightening concerns about his health and welfare.
Sudden Transfer to ICPC
The statement revealed that on the night of February 18, El-Rufai was moved without prior notice from EFCC custody to the (ICPC). His legal team said they were not informed in advance, and applications for bail before the ICPC have yet to be addressed.
Adekeye stressed that no valid remand order has been presented to justify the prolonged detention beyond constitutionally permitted limits.
Fundamental Rights Suit Filed
El-Rufai is scheduled to appear before the Federal High Court on February 25 in a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Federal Government, ICPC, EFCC, and the (DSS). The suit seeks an order admitting him to bail.
Earlier reports by SaharaReporters indicated that El-Rufai filed a ₦1 billion suit challenging what his legal team described as an unlawful invasion of his Abuja residence by ICPC operatives and police on February 19, under a defective search warrant.
Through his counsel, , the former governor argued that the warrant lacked specificity, contained material errors, and had no probable cause, rendering the search unconstitutional. Court filings also allege that officers seized documents and electronic devices without providing an inventory, violating provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the ICPC Act, and constitutional guarantees of dignity, personal liberty, and fair hearing.
El-Rufai is seeking declarations nullifying the search, the return of all seized items, restrictions on the use of any materials obtained, and ₦1 billion in compensatory, exemplary, and aggravated damages, in addition to legal costs.
Legal Team Raises Alarm
Adekeye warned that the alleged treatment raises serious questions about due process, detainee rights, and the respect of legal safeguards. He said the latest developments have intensified scrutiny on how authorities are handling the case, highlighting concerns over health, access to family, and legal counsel.
Observers say the situation could set a critical precedent regarding the rights of high-profile detainees and the limits of anti-corruption enforcement procedures in Nigeria.
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