Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that her husband receives fair treatment and the constitutional rights guaranteed to every Nigerian while facing prosecution.
Speaking to journalists at the family’s residence in Abuja on Tuesday, Asiya said the family was not asking the President to interfere with the legal process or halt the prosecution of the former governor. Instead, she urged that he be granted access to medical care, legal counsel, family members and bail on reasonable terms.
She made the appeal while reacting to the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, an action confirmed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Accompanied by El-Rufai’s other wife, Aichatou, Asiya alleged that her husband, who is reportedly being treated for high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar levels, had been denied adequate medical attention while in custody.
Recalling her family’s support for Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, she urged the President to show compassion.
“Mr. President, I campaigned for you across Kaduna State. My husband stood firmly by your side. Is this the treatment our family deserves?” she asked.
She stressed that the family only wanted El-Rufai’s constitutional rights to be respected, including access to healthcare and affordable bail.
“If he is guilty, let the court determine that. If he is innocent, let the court also decide. We are simply asking that he be allowed the rights guaranteed by the Constitution,” she said.
Asiya further alleged that El-Rufai’s prolonged detention, restricted access to relatives, lawyers and doctors, and the reported refusal to allow his personal physician to see him had caused emotional distress for the family.
She described the situation as psychological pressure aimed at both the former governor and his family.
The former governor’s wife also questioned reports that Professor Bello Abubakar had been prevented from seeing El-Rufai on the instruction of unnamed authorities, asking who authorised such a decision.
She additionally raised concerns over a medical report allegedly issued by the National Hospital, Abuja, calling for an investigation into its authenticity and the circumstances surrounding its issuance.
According to the family, the restrictions placed on El-Rufai have made it difficult for him to adequately prepare his legal defence.
They maintained that their request was not for preferential treatment, but for a fair trial and full respect for the constitutional rights available to every Nigerian facing criminal proceedings.
