El-Rufai’s wives appeal to Tinubu over former Kaduna governor’s detention
The wives of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in what they described as their family’s “ordeal,” urging that the former governor be granted his constitutional rights while facing trial.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Asiya el-Rufai, accompanied by co-wife Aichatou, said the family was not asking the president to stop the prosecution or interfere with the judicial process. Instead, they requested that el-Rufai be allowed access to medical care, his family, legal counsel and bail on reasonable terms.
The appeal followed the arrest of Professor Bello Abubakar, el-Rufai’s personal physician, by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The anti-graft agency had alleged that both men abused official privileges and violated a court order relating to the doctor’s medical consultation with the former governor.
Recalling the family’s support for Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, Asiya said she actively campaigned across Kaduna State while her husband stood firmly behind the president.
“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 asked.
She urged Tinubu to ensure that el-Rufai receives fair treatment, insisting that the family was only seeking the constitutional rights available to every Nigerian.
“The ball is in your court, Mr. President. All these can stop if you say a word. We believe you are a father and can empathise with us,” she said.
Asiya alleged that the former governor, who reportedly suffers from high blood pressure and fluctuating blood sugar levels, has been denied adequate medical care while in custody.
She also claimed that restrictions on visits by relatives, doctors and lawyers had caused severe emotional distress for the family.
“We live in constant fear that we will wake up to hear bad news. What is happening appears to be psychological warfare against Mallam and against his family,” she said.
The family further questioned the reported decision to prevent Professor Bello Abubakar from seeing el-Rufai, asking who issued the alleged directive from “above.”
They also expressed concern over a medical report reportedly issued by the National Hospital Abuja, calling for an investigation into its authenticity and the circumstances surrounding its release.
According to Asiya, the restrictions have hampered the former governor’s ability to prepare his legal defence.
“We are not running away from trial. We want a fair hearing. Mallam cannot adequately prepare for his defence while he remains in custody with limited access to his lawyers,” she said.
She concluded by urging authorities to grant el-Rufai bail on conditions he could reasonably meet, stressing that the courts should ultimately determine his guilt or innocence.
