El-Rufai family claims DSS defies court orders, continues to detain ex-governor

Family members of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, have accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of violating court orders in the handling of his detention, alleging that the security agency has subjected the family to fear and psychological distress.

Speaking outside the DSS headquarters in Abuja on Monday, Asia el-Rufai, the former governor’s second wife, said the family had been living under constant anxiety due to repeated threats and security pressure linked to his arrest.

She alleged that el-Rufai had initially appeared before a Federal High Court judge, Joyce AbdulMalik, who granted him bail and adjourned proceedings, but was later moved between the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the DSS despite existing court directives.

According to her, the former governor resisted being transferred to DSS custody, insisting that court orders required him to remain under ICPC supervision pending further judicial decisions.

She further claimed that despite a court arrangement to determine which agency should retain custody, el-Rufai was still moved again after the court sitting, a development the family described as unlawful.

Asia also alleged that he had spent about 91 days in detention and was being denied adequate access to his personal doctors, contrary to another court order permitting medical care and legal access.

She said even when medical tests were conducted under ICPC supervision, follow-up consultations with his doctors were allegedly blocked.

The family is demanding his immediate return to ICPC custody in line with court orders, restoration of medical access, and an end to what they described as psychological harassment.

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Meanwhile, Bello el-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives and son of the former governor, described the bail conditions imposed on his father as excessive and difficult to fulfil, alleging political motivation behind the case.

He questioned the legality of the detention process and called for a review of what he termed “impossible conditions” attached to the bail, while also indicating plans to petition the House of Representatives over the matter.

The DSS and ICPC have not issued an official response to the allegations at the time of filing this report.

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