Muyiwa Adekeye, media aide to Nasir el-Rufai, has claimed that the former Kaduna Governor experienced an overnight nosebleed while being held by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement released late Monday, Adekeye also alleged that el-Rufai was denied direct access to food brought by his wife during his time in custody.
According to the aide, El-Rufai voluntarily reported to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on February 16, 2026, in response to an official invitation from the agency. He was detained for questioning, and on February 17, his wife reportedly attempted to bring him a meal but was instructed to hand it over to EFCC officials instead of delivering it personally. Adekeye further stated that el-Rufai later suffered a nosebleed overnight, raising concerns about his health condition while in detention.
The former Governor was subsequently transferred to the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on February 18 after being released by the EFCC. Both anti-graft agencies are investigating him over alleged financial misconduct linked to his administration in Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.
The probe follows a 2024 indictment by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which accused el-Rufai of diverting N423 billion in public funds and engaging in money laundering, and called for a full investigation by relevant authorities.
Adekeye also alleged that el-Rufai’s legal team has not been shown any valid remand order authorising his detention beyond the constitutionally permitted 48 hours without formal charges. He added that both his lawyers and family members have faced challenges in gaining proper access to him since his arrest.
“One of his wives was not allowed to deliver his meal directly to him on the evening of 17th February, but was asked to pass it to him through one of the commission’s personnel. His lawyers have reported that he suffered an overnight episode of bleeding from his nose,” the statement reads.
The aide disclosed that the Federal Capital Territory High Court is scheduled to hear el-Rufai’s fundamental rights enforcement suit on Wednesday. The suit is filed against the federal government, the ICPC, the EFCC, and the Department of State Services (DSS), challenging the legality of his detention and alleged violations of his rights.
