Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Federal Government to provide clarity and transparency regarding the reported detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
In a statement on Tuesday, Atiku expressed deep concern over reports about El-Rufai’s health and welfare, urging authorities to disclose the agency responsible for his detention.
He said Nigerians deserve to know whether the former governor is being held by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, the State Security Service, or any other security body.
“Secrecy in matters of detention only fuels suspicion. Nigerians deserve transparency. Whichever agency is responsible has a constitutional duty to guarantee his safety, dignity, and access to medical care, his family, and his legal representatives,” Atiku stated.
He described reports alleging that El-Rufai suffered a nosebleed while his family was denied access to him as troubling and unacceptable in a democratic setting.
According to him, if the authorities cannot guarantee the former governor’s health and rights, the lawful and humane step would be to grant him bail without delay.
Atiku further warned that the Federal Government would be held accountable should any harm befall El-Rufai. He also raised concerns about what he termed a growing perception of selective prosecution, where opposition figures are allegedly targeted while others are shielded, arguing that such actions undermine the credibility of anti-corruption efforts.
“Anti-corruption must not become a political weapon. 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,” he added.
