El-Rufai’s Family Accuses ICPC of Blocking Food, Medical Access

The family of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission of blocking his personal doctor and family members from accessing him while in custody, describing the conditions as inhumane.

Mohammed Bello, El-Rufai’s son, made the allegation in a statement, accusing the ICPC of violating court orders and denying his father food and medical attention. The former governor remains in ICPC custody over corruption charges relating to an N10.8 billion CCTV contract.

“You have continued to violate my father’s rights,” Bello told the anti-graft agency, alleging that ICPC officials have prevented El-Rufai from seeing his personal doctor and receiving food from family members.

Fresh Charges Filed

The ICPC recently filed fresh charges against El-Rufai, bringing the total count to 11 in connection with the alleged CCTV fraud. The former governor has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is currently awaiting trial at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

El-Rufai’s detention has been a subject of legal back-and-forth, with his legal team filing multiple bail applications that have been opposed by the ICPC. The court had previously granted him medical treatment while in custody, but the family says this ruling is not being respected.

ICPC Silent

The ICPC has not publicly responded to the family’s latest allegations. The case continues at the Federal High Court, Kaduna, with the next hearing expected to address the bail application and the family’s complaints about treatment in custody.

This is not the first time El-Rufai’s family has raised concerns about his treatment. On May 7, the court had granted him medical treatment while in ICPC custody, but the family says access remains restricted.

El-Rufai, who served as Kaduna governor from 2015 to 2023, has maintained his innocence and described the charges as politically motivated. His trial is ongoing.

Sources: Premium Times, The Cable, Leadership, Legit.ng