RismadarVoice Reporters, May 19, 2026
Fresh controversy has emerged over the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following protests by family members and political supporters, while the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) dismissed claims regarding his deteriorating health and alleged denial of medical care.
Supporters and members of El-Rufai’s family gathered outside the headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja, expressing concerns over his detention and what they described as violations of existing court directives.
The protests followed allegations by family members that the former governor had been denied access to medical treatment and welfare support while in custody.
El-Rufai, who has remained in custody since February following investigations and legal proceedings involving corruption and national security-related allegations, has continued efforts to secure his release through the courts.
Speaking during the protest, family members claimed that security agencies had moved him between facilities contrary to existing court orders and raised concerns over what they described as increasing pressure and surveillance.
Some relatives also questioned the conditions attached to his release on bail, describing them as excessively difficult to fulfil.
Political allies and support groups further characterised the situation as psychological pressure and called for what they described as adherence to due process and the rule of law.
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) criticised the handling of the matter, alleging political motives behind the continued detention and expressing concerns over the former governor’s welfare.
The party argued that the case had gone beyond legal proceedings and had raised broader concerns regarding political neutrality and fairness.
Reacting to the allegations, the ICPC denied claims that El-Rufai had been denied access to food, family members or medical attention.
The commission maintained that all approved procedures regarding detainee welfare had been followed and insisted that the former governor had access to medical facilities and doctors of his choice.
According to the anti-graft agency, El-Rufai remains in custody because he has yet to satisfy the conditions attached to his court-approved bail.
The commission also rejected suggestions that the case was politically motivated, maintaining that it was acting strictly within its legal mandate.
In a related development, a Federal High Court in Abuja granted El-Rufai bail in the sum of N100 million with several conditions, including the provision of a qualified surety and periodic reporting requirements pending the conclusion of the trial.
The case has continued to generate reactions from political observers and stakeholders, with growing calls for transparency and strict compliance with judicial procedures as legal proceedings continue.
