Former Nasir El‑Rufai reportedly suffered an overnight nosebleed while in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), his media adviser Muyiwa Adekeye said on Monday evening, raising fresh concerns about the former governor’s welfare as his detention enters its second week.
Adekeye said the incident occurred over the weekend and has heightened anxiety among family members, who he claimed have had restricted access to El-Rufai since he was taken into custody.
According to the aide, one of El-Rufai’s wives was prevented from delivering a meal directly to him, a development he described as unnecessary and distressing for the family. He added that lawyers representing the former governor have also faced delays and procedural hurdles in their attempts to see him.
Adekeye noted that Monday marked eight days since El-Rufai voluntarily reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following an invitation, after which he was transferred to ICPC custody. He said the commission has yet to respond to his bail application.
He further stated that El-Rufai’s legal team has not been shown any remand order, despite constitutional provisions limiting detention without charge to 48 hours, describing the continued detention and welfare concerns as “deeply troubling.”
Two court matters are scheduled for the week, including a fundamental rights suit seeking El-Rufai’s release on bail and his expected arraignment on charges filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to Adekeye, the family is “worried and unsettled” by both the nosebleed incident and what he described as a “lack of transparency” surrounding El-Rufai’s condition. He called on authorities to ensure proper access, humane treatment and adherence to constitutional rights during the ongoing investigations.
