The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has refuted allegations that Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, former Kaduna State Governor, had a nosebleed while in its custody.
The anti-corruption agency was responding to a statement given by El-Rufai’s spokesman, Muyiwa Adekeye, who claimed that the former governor had a health condition while detained.
Okor Odey, ICPC spokesperson, described the report as false.
He elaborated: “The allegation that he bled from his nose yesterday while in the custody of the ICPC is not true.”
El-Rufai has been in ICPC detention since February 18. Prior to that, he spent two nights in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after his initial arrest.
Adekeye also expressed worry over the constitutionality of El-Rufai’s extended arrest.
He stated that the former governor’s legal team had not been presented with a court order authorising his detention for more than 48 hours without official charges.
He also claimed that family members and lawyers were having problems getting access to him.
According to Adekeye, one of El-Rufai’s wives was not permitted to hand him his food directly, but instead had to transfer it through an ICPC officer.
Adekeye further stated that El-Rufai’s counsel indicated that he was bleeding from his nose overnight while in jail.
However, the ICPC has categorically denied that account, stating that no such health issue occurred.
El-Rufai is under investigation by both the ICPC and the EFCC for alleged financial impropriety while serving as Governor of Kaduna State from 2015 until 2023.