Atiku Issues Stern Warning to Tinubu Administration Over El-Rufai's Detention
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has delivered a forceful message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's government, declaring that they will face full accountability if any harm comes to former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai while in detention. The political heavyweight's statement comes amid growing concerns about El-Rufai's health and the circumstances surrounding his continued detention.
Health Concerns and Alleged Rights Violations
Atiku revealed that reports indicating El-Rufai suffered a nosebleed while family members were allegedly denied access to him are deeply troubling. The former vice president emphasized that the health and welfare of the former governor have become matters of grave concern for his family, friends, and political associates across Nigeria.
"If the authorities cannot guarantee his health and fundamental rights, the lawful and humane course of action is to grant him bail without delay," Atiku stated unequivocally. "If anything happens to El-Rufai, this government will be held accountable."
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain made these declarations in a formal statement issued via his official X handle on Tuesday, February 23, 2026, marking a significant intervention in the ongoing political drama.
Calls for Transparency and Due Process
Atiku argued that Nigerians deserve complete transparency in matters of detention, noting that secrecy only fuels public suspicion and undermines confidence in government institutions. He specifically demanded clarity about which security agency is currently holding El-Rufai, whether it be the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the State Security Service (SSS), or any other arm of Nigeria's security establishment.
"The continued detention of El-Rufai under unclear circumstances raises serious questions about motive," Atiku asserted. "Anti-corruption cannot be credible when it appears partisan, coercive, or strategically timed."
The former presidential candidate emphasized fundamental principles of justice, stating: "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."
Legal Proceedings and Health Developments
This political intervention comes as El-Rufai's legal team has filed an application at the Federal High Court seeking to quash charges brought against him by the Department of State Services. Federal High Court Judge Joyce Abdulmalik was scheduled to hear the matter on February 25, 2026.
Media Adviser Muyiwa Adekeye confirmed that El-Rufai's legal representatives have cited multiple grounds for dismissal of the charges, including:
- Constitutional violations
- Lack of prima facie evidence
- Abuse of court process
Earlier reports indicated that El-Rufai allegedly suffered a nosebleed while in custody, with family access to him reportedly restricted. His aide has raised additional concerns about transfers between the EFCC and ICPC without prior notice or proper legal justification.
The legal team has filed a fundamental rights suit seeking bail ahead of the scheduled court arraignment on various charges. This development marks another chapter in the complex legal and political saga surrounding the former Kaduna governor's detention.
