El-Rufai Had Nosebleed In Detention, Wife Denied Access — Aide

Muyiwa Adekeye, media adviser to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has voiced serious worries regarding the politician’s treatment while in custody, claiming he experienced a nosebleed and faced barriers to family visits. NaijaChoice News gathered that El-Rufai has been detained for eight days following his voluntary appearance at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters on February 16, 2026.

Adekeye, in a statement released on Monday, detailed that El-Rufai was interrogated by EFCC officials and initially granted administrative bail. However, he remained in detention as his legal team pushed for adjustments to the bail terms, which Adekeye described as unwarranted given the circumstances. “The continued detention lacks justification,” the aide stated, highlighting potential violations of due process.

Further allegations from Adekeye include an incident on February 17 where one of El-Rufai’s wives was denied direct access to deliver his meal, forcing her to hand it over through an EFCC intermediary. Adding to the concerns, El-Rufai reportedly suffered an overnight nosebleed episode while detained, prompting his lawyers to raise alarms about his health, welfare, and right to see family and counsel.

The situation escalated on the night of February 18 when El-Rufai was abruptly moved from EFCC custody to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) without advance notice to him or his legal representatives. Since then, his lawyers have submitted a bail application to the ICPC, but no response has been forthcoming. Adekeye emphasized that no formal remand order has been produced to legitimize the extended detention, which he argues exceeds constitutional limits.

NaijaChoice News investigations reveal the detention stems from broader probes into alleged financial improprieties during El-Rufai’s tenure, including a ₦432 billion corruption inquiry and irregularities in an ₦11.1 billion Kaduna light rail joint venture project. Reports indicate that funds were disbursed to a partner entity not fully incorporated at the time, with portions allegedly diverted. Additionally, there are claims linking El-Rufai to unauthorized interception of communications involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, leading to brief involvement by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Public reactions on social media platforms like X have been mixed, with some users alleging political motivations behind the detention. One post noted tear gas use by EFCC on supporters accompanying El-Rufai, describing it as an disruption of peaceful solidarity. Others speculate the moves reflect fears within the current administration, with comments like “Tinubu has lost the north” circulating amid discussions of El-Rufai’s opposition stance.

El-Rufai is set to appear in court on February 25, 2026, in a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Federal Government, ICPC, EFCC, and DSS, seeking bail and challenging the detention’s legality. Adekeye concluded that the handling of the case raises profound questions about adherence to legal standards and the former governor’s well-being as proceedings continue.

As Nigeria grapples with anti-corruption efforts, this case underscores ongoing debates over transparency and fairness in high-profile investigations.