‘If Anything Happens To El-Rufai, Your Govt Will Be Held Accountable’ – Atiku Warns Tinubu, Demands Bail For Ex-Governor

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has raised the alarm over the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, demanding clarity from the President Bola Tinubu-led government regarding the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s detention.

In a statement posted on Tuesday via X, Atiku said, “The health and welfare of @elrufai is a matter of grave concern to his family, friends, and associates.”

He called on the Federal Government to disclose the agency responsible for El-Rufai’s detention, insisting that Nigerians are entitled to transparency.

“The Federal Government owes Nigerians clarity. It must state clearly which agency is holding him, whether the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the State Security Service (SSS), or any other arm of the security establishment,” he stated.

Atiku warned that secrecy surrounding the matter could heighten public suspicion.

“Secrecy in matters of detention only fuels suspicion. Nigerians deserve transparency,” he added.

The former Vice President stressed that any agency holding El-Rufai has a constitutional obligation to uphold his rights and wellbeing.

“Whichever agency is responsible has a constitutional duty to guarantee his safety, dignity, access to medical care, and access to his family and legal representatives,” he said.

He described as disturbing reports alleging that the former governor suffered a health episode while being denied access to loved ones.

“Reports that he suffered a nosebleed while family members were allegedly denied access are deeply troubling and unacceptable in a democracy,” Atiku stated.

He further argued that if authorities are unable to ensure El-Rufai’s safety and fundamental rights, he should be released on bail without delay.

“If the authorities cannot guarantee his health and fundamental rights, the lawful and humane course of action is to grant him bail without delay. If anything happens to El-Rufai, this government will be held accountable,” he warned.

Atiku also expressed concern over what he described as a growing perception of bias in anti-corruption efforts, suggesting that opposition figures are being targeted unfairly.

“More troubling, however, is the growing perception of selective prosecution, in which opposition figures are aggressively pursued while others are conspicuously shielded from investigation or interrogation. Anti-corruption must not become a political weapon,” he said.

According to him, the continued detention of El-Rufai under unclear circumstances raises questions about the motives behind the action.

“The continued detention of El-Rufai under unclear circumstances raises serious questions about motive. Anti-corruption cannot be credible when it appears partisan, coercive, or strategically timed,” he stated.

He concluded by emphasising the need for fairness and adherence to the rule of law.

“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.”

Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that the continued detention of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, without a warrant being shown to his legal team has sparked outrage among his family, lawyers and political associates, eight days after he was taken into custody.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has yet to grant him bail, despite what his aides describe as the expiration of the constitutionally permitted 48-hour detention period without charge.

In a statement issued on Monday, Muyiwa Adekeye, media adviser to El-Rufai, said the former governor has remained in custody since he voluntarily reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16, 2026, in response to an invitation.

According to the statement, El-Rufai was initially held by the EFCC until the night of February 18, when he was transferred to the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Adekeye said the development has raised serious legal and constitutional concerns, particularly as his lawyers claim they have not been presented with any court order authorising his continued detention.

“Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has now been held for eight days,” the statement said, noting that his legal team submitted an application for bail to the ICPC on February 19 but “have yet to receive a response.”

The aide further alleged that the commission has not shown El-Rufai’s lawyers any remand order backing his continued custody.

He added that the constitution allows law enforcement agencies to detain a citizen for only 48 hours without charge, after which a court order must be obtained to justify further detention.

The absence of a disclosed remand warrant has reportedly fueled anger among supporters and civil rights advocates, who argue that detaining a former public office holder without transparency undermines due process and the rule of law.

Legal observers say the situation has intensified scrutiny of anti-graft agencies and their adherence to constitutional safeguards, especially in high-profile cases involving politically exposed persons.

Adekeye disclosed that at least two court matters involving El-Rufai are scheduled for hearing this week. A fundamental rights enforcement suit filed against the Federal Government, the ICPC, the EFCC and the Department of State Services is fixed for February 25 at the Federal Capital Territory High Court.

The suit seeks an order admitting him to bail and challenges what his lawyers describe as unlawful detention. (SaharaReporters)