Mohammed Bello, the son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, has accused operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of blocking his father's access to medical care and family visits while in custody. The allegations come as el-Rufai remains detained by the anti-corruption agency.
Background of the Case
El-Rufai has been under scrutiny following allegations of financial irregularities during his eight-year tenure as governor of Kaduna State. In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly accused him of mismanaging public funds amounting to hundreds of billions of naira and recommended further investigation. He was later arraigned on amended charges in April 2026 at the Kaduna High Court, facing allegations of fraud and abuse of office. The case remains ongoing.
Medical Access Blocked
According to Bello, a personal physician who visited the detention facility on Friday to review recent medical test results was prevented from seeing el-Rufai. Officials allegedly insisted that approval from the ICPC chairman was required before access could be granted. Bello described this as a breach of a court order that guaranteed unrestricted access to doctors, undermining his father's right to adequate healthcare.
Family Visit Denied
Bello further alleged that el-Rufai's second wife, Aichatou, was turned away when she attempted to deliver food to her husband in the evening. Officials cited internal restrictions limiting deliveries after a specific time. Bello criticized the decision as an unnecessary restriction that compounded the difficult situation for the former governor, arguing that such limitations go beyond standard detention procedures.
Son Condemns Conditions as Unlawful
In a statement, Bello said the treatment of his father amounted to a violation of constitutional and human rights protections. He argued that no legal detention should prevent access to medical professionals or basic family support. The statement read: "Our father, Mallam Nasir @elrufai, is still being held by the ICPC. Today, 15 May 2026, we witnessed two distinct yet equally serious attacks on his basic rights."
Demand for Court Order Compliance
Bello insisted that ICPC officials were acting in defiance of judicial directives, particularly regarding healthcare access. He said the family would not accept what he described as intimidation disguised as procedural enforcement. He added that el-Rufai's rights must be fully upheld, stressing that the family expects immediate compliance with all court orders concerning his detention and welfare.
El-Rufai's Court Appearance
Previously, el-Rufai appeared at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on May 6, 2026, for fresh charges. The chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has faced a series of legal charges since resigning from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and joining the coalition-adopted party. The case continues as legal proceedings unfold.
