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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for clarity and transparency surrounding the prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who is facing charges over the alleged wiretapping of the phone of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
El-Rufai was first detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16 as part of ongoing investigations into alleged corruption during his tenure.
After spending two nights in the EFCC’s custody, he was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). He was thereafter arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
As the situation continues to unfold, Atiku, in a statement posted on X on Tuesday, called for transparency, urging the Nigerian government to clearly identify the agency responsible for detaining the former governor.
“The Federal Government owes Nigerians clarity. It must clearly state which agency is holding him: the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the State Security Service (SSS), or any other arm of the security establishment. Secrecy in matters of detention only fuels suspicion. Nigerians deserve transparency,” his post read in part.
El-Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, revealed on Tuesday that the former governor suffered an overnight nosebleed while in EFCC’s custody.
Reacting to this, Atiku demanded that El-Rufai be released without delay.
“If the authorities cannot guarantee his health and fundamental rights, the lawful and humane course of action is to grant him bail without delay. If anything happens to El-Rufai, this government will be held accountable,” said Atiku.
