By LEVI JOHNSON
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has issued a strong warning to President Bola Tinubu over the continued El-Rufai detention, insisting that the Federal Government must provide clear details about the circumstances surrounding the former Kaduna governor’s custody.
In a statement released Tuesday via his verified X handle, Atiku described the situation as deeply concerning and cautioned that the government would be held accountable if anything untoward happens to Nasir El-Rufai while in detention.
“The health and welfare of Nasir El-Rufai is a matter of grave concern to his family, friends, and associates,” Atiku stated, setting the tone for what has quickly become a major political flashpoint.
Atiku Demands Clarity on El-Rufai Detention
Atiku argued that Nigerians deserve full transparency regarding the El-Rufai detention, especially given the high-profile nature of the case. He urged the Federal Government to clearly identify which agency currently holds the former governor.
Specifically, he called on authorities to state whether El-Rufai is in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, the Department of State Services, or any other security agency.
According to him, silence from the authorities only fuels public suspicion.
“Secrecy in matters of detention only heightens distrust. Nigerians are entitled to transparency,” he maintained.
Therefore, Atiku stressed that whichever agency is responsible has a constitutional duty to guarantee El-Rufai’s safety, dignity, access to medical care, and unhindered communication with his family and legal representatives.
Health Concerns Deepen Tension
Beyond the legal debate, the El-Rufai detention has also sparked health-related concerns. Reports alleging that the former governor suffered a nosebleed while family members were denied access have stirred fresh controversy.
Atiku described such reports as disturbing and unacceptable in a democratic society. He insisted that detention must not translate into the denial of fundamental human rights.
Furthermore, he warned that if authorities cannot ensure El-Rufai’s safety and wellbeing, they should grant him bail without delay.
“If anything happens to El-Rufai, this government will be held accountable,” Atiku declared.
That statement has since intensified political discourse across party lines, with supporters and critics weighing in on the implications of the El-Rufai detention.
Legal Battle Over 48-Hour Rule
Meanwhile, details emerging from El-Rufai’s camp have added another layer to the controversy. According to his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, the former governor voluntarily honored an invitation by the EFCC on February 16, 2026.
He was reportedly held by the EFCC before being transferred to the ICPC on February 18.
However, Adekeye claimed that eight days after his initial detention, authorities have yet to present a remand warrant authorising his continued custody. His legal team also filed a bail application on February 19 but allegedly received no formal response.
Legal experts point to constitutional provisions that limit detention without charge to 48 hours, except where a court order permits otherwise. Consequently, the absence of a disclosed remand order has triggered heated debate over due process.
The El-Rufai detention, therefore, now sits at the intersection of law, politics, and public perception.
Allegations of Selective Prosecution
Atiku went further by raising concerns about what he described as a growing perception of selective prosecution in Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive.
According to him, anti-graft efforts must not appear partisan or strategically timed against opposition figures. He warned that credibility suffers when prosecution seems uneven.
“Anti-corruption must not become a political weapon,” he cautioned.
Although anti-corruption agencies have yet to publicly address the claims in detail, the El-Rufai detention has reignited broader questions about fairness, accountability, and the rule of law in Nigeria.
Court Showdown Looms
The controversy is now heading to the courtroom. A fundamental rights enforcement suit filed against the Federal Government, the ICPC, the EFCC, and the DSS is scheduled for hearing on February 25 at the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
The suit challenges what El-Rufai’s lawyers describe as unlawful detention and seeks his admission to bail.
As the legal process unfolds, political observers note that the outcome could shape public perception of Nigeria’s justice system. Moreover, the case may test the balance between anti-corruption enforcement and constitutional safeguards.
A Defining Moment for Rule of Law
Ultimately, the El-Rufai detention has evolved into more than a legal matter. It now represents a critical test of transparency and institutional accountability.
Atiku concluded his statement by emphasising that justice must remain even-handed and free from political bias.
“Justice must be transparent. Accountability must be even-handed. And the rule of law must apply to all; without fear, without favour.”
For now, Nigerians await official clarification from the Tinubu administration and the anti-graft agencies involved. Until then, the debate over the El-Rufai detention continues to dominate political discourse nationwide.
#ElRufaiDetention #AtikuAbubakar #BolaTinubu #ICPC #EFCC #RuleOfLaw #NigerianPolitics
