The family of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of violating his constitutional rights while he remains in detention.
In a statement released on Saturday, Mohammed Bello alleged that the anti-corruption agency denied his father access to medical care and also blocked food deliveries from family members.
According to him, El-Rufai’s personal doctor visited the ICPC office around 3pm to discuss recent medical test results but was prevented from seeing the former governor. Officials reportedly insisted that approval from the ICPC chairman was required before the doctor could gain access.
Bello argued that the action goes against an existing court order which granted El-Rufai unrestricted access to his medical doctors while in custody.
He further claimed that El-Rufai’s second wife, Aichatou, was also denied access after bringing his evening meal. ICPC officials allegedly told her that food deliveries are not accepted after 6:30pm.
The family described the restrictions as a violation of El-Rufai’s constitutional and human rights, insisting that no lawful detention should deny a person medical attention or family support.
El-Rufai’s wife, Assab Aichatou Djibril, also criticised the development, stating that the refusal to allow the doctor see her husband was a direct violation of a court directive.
The former governor has been in ICPC custody since February 19 over allegations linked to financial misconduct during his administration in Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.
In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly recommended an investigation into allegations involving the diversion of public funds and money laundering. He was later arraigned before the Kaduna High Court in April 2026 on an amended nine-count charge related to alleged fraud and abuse of office.
