He’s In Great Discomfort” – El-Rufai’s Aide Slams ICPC

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai has allegedly been denied access to adequate medical care while in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), according to claims made by his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye.

According to a statement issued on Friday and obtained by journalists, Adekeye alleged that the former governor developed a serious eye condition characterized by swelling, redness and persistent itching while in detention and requested immediate medical attention.

The statement further claimed that members of el-Rufai’s family, who visited him, also notified ICPC officials about the worsening condition and appealed for urgent medical intervention. Although two officials of the anti-graft agency reportedly examined his eyes, Adekeye alleged that no additional steps were taken to provide treatment or arrange for a hospital visit.

He also accused an official identified as Henry, said to have been seconded to the commission from another government agency, of misleading a family member by claiming that the former governor had declined to see a doctor.

Adekeye maintained that the claim was false, insisting that no medical care was provided despite the visible deterioration of el-Rufai’s condition. He added that the former governor had visited an eye clinic on June 4 but that his health had reportedly worsened afterward.

According to the statement, el-Rufai’s wives, who visited him on Friday, found him experiencing significant discomfort and expressed concern over the state of his eyes.

The media aide further disclosed that the former governor’s legal team had previously secured a court order granting him unrestricted access to his personal doctors and necessary medical treatment while in custody. He, however, alleged that the ICPC had failed to comply with the directive.

Adekeye criticized the commission for what he described as a disregard for the rights and welfare of individuals in its custody, urging the agency to obey the court order and ensure that el-Rufai receives appropriate medical care.

He stressed that every government institution has a responsibility to safeguard the health and fundamental rights of detainees, calling on the anti-corruption agency to facilitate the medical treatment required by the former governor.