‘I campaigned for you’ — el-Rufai’s wife appeals to Tinubu over husband’s detention
Asiya El-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna governor Nasir el-Rufai, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure her husband is accorded his constitutional rights while in detention, alleging that he has been denied access to medical care, family members and legal counsel.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Asiya said the family was not asking the president to halt the prosecution of the former governor or interfere with the judicial process but to ensure he receives fair treatment.
Her appeal came hours after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) confirmed the arrest of Bello Abubakar, el-Rufai’s personal physician.
Flanked by Aichatou el-Rufai, another wife of the former governor, Asiya alleged that her husband, who she said is being treated for high blood pressure and high blood sugar, had been denied access to his doctors.
Addressing Tinubu directly, she recalled supporting his 2023 presidential campaign and urged him to intervene to ensure El-Rufai’s rights are protected.
“Mr President, I campaigned for you. I went to every nook and cranny of Kaduna State for you. My husband stood by your side. Is this what our family deserves?” she said.
“The ball is in your court. All these can stop if you say a word. We believe you are a father and can empathise.”
Asiya said the family was only asking that El-Rufai be granted bail on reasonable terms and allowed access to medical care, relatives and lawyers while his trial continues.
“We are not asking you to stop the prosecution. If he is guilty, let the court decide. If he is innocent, let the court decide. We are only asking that he be given the basic human rights guaranteed by the Constitution,” she said.
She alleged that the former governor’s continued detention and restrictions on visits had left the family traumatised.
“We live in constant fear that we will wake up and hear bad news,” she said, describing the situation as “psychological warfare” against both El-Rufai and his family.
Asiya also questioned the reported decision to deny Bello Abubakar access to the former governor.
“We were told that orders from ‘above’ said Professor Bello Abubakar cannot have access to anybody for 24 hours. Who is the ‘above’?” she asked.
The family further alleged that El-Rufai had been denied regular access to his personal doctors and that visits by relatives had become increasingly restricted.
They also raised concerns about a medical report reportedly issued by the National Hospital Abuja, questioning its authenticity and calling for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding its issuance.
According to the family, the restrictions have also hampered El-Rufai’s ability to prepare his legal defence because of limited access to his lawyers.
They urged the authorities to grant him bail on terms he can reasonably meet pending the conclusion of his trial, insisting that the courts should determine his guilt or innocence.
