Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has made an emotional appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to ensure fair treatment for her husband who is currently in detention. In a statement on Tuesday evening, she reminded the President of the support she and her husband provided during his 2023 presidential campaign, which contributed to his victory.
Family cries out over arrest of personal physician
Flanked by El-Rufai's other wife, Aichatou, Hajiya Asiya was reacting to the arrest of her husband's personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, which was confirmed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Tuesday. She alleged that El-Rufai, who has been diagnosed with high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels, has been denied access to medical treatment.
Speaking with journalists at her residence in Abuja, Asiya El-Rufai said the family is not asking the President to interfere with the judicial process or halt the prosecution of El-Rufai. Instead, they are pleading that he be allowed to enjoy the constitutional rights available to every Nigerian, including access to medical care, family members, lawyers, and bail on reasonable terms.
Emotional plea to President Tinubu
In an emotional message directed at President Tinubu, she recalled the sacrifices she and her husband made during the 2023 electioneering campaign. The family described themselves as traumatized by the ongoing situation and called on the President to intervene to ensure fairness.
According to reports, El-Rufai has been in detention over allegations of corruption during his tenure as governor. The ICPC has not released further details about the case, but the arrest of his physician has heightened concerns among his supporters.
As of press time, there has been no official response from the Presidency or the ICPC regarding the appeal.
