Muyiwa Adekeye, media adviser to former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, has expressed concern over his principal’s wellbeing in detention, saying he suffered a nosebleed and that his wife was blocked from handing him food directly.
In a statement on Monday, Adekeye said El-Rufai has been in custody for eight days, after voluntarily reporting to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16, 2026, following an official invitation.
Adekeye explained that El-Rufai was questioned by the EFCC and granted administrative bail but remained in detention while his lawyers requested a modification of the bail terms. He described the prolonged detention as unjustified.
He added that on the evening of February 17, one of El-Rufai’s wives was prevented from delivering his meal personally and was instead asked to give it to an EFCC official for onward delivery.
The aide also revealed that El-Rufai experienced a nosebleed overnight while in custody, an incident cited by his lawyers as a concern for his health and his access to family and legal counsel.
The statement further noted that on February 18, El-Rufai was transferred from EFCC custody to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) without prior notice to him or his legal team.
Adekeye said El-Rufai’s lawyers have since applied for bail from the ICPC but have not received any response. He added that no remand order has been presented to justify holding him beyond the constitutionally allowed period.
The aide mentioned that El-Rufai is expected in court on February 25 over a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Federal Government, the ICPC, the EFCC, and the Department of State Services, seeking bail.
Adekeye warned that the treatment of El-Rufai in detention raises serious questions about his welfare and whether due process is being respected as legal proceedings move forward.
