ICPC denies claim El-Rufai suffered nosebleed in custody

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed claims that former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, suffered a nosebleed while in its custody, describing the allegation as untrue.

The denial follows a statement by Muyiwa Adekeye, a media aide to the former governor, who alleged on Tuesday that El-Rufai experienced an overnight nosebleeding episode while being held by the anti-graft agency.

El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 18, shortly after his release from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he reportedly spent two nights. Both agencies are investigating the former governor over alleged financial misconduct during his tenure between 2015 and 2023.

In his statement, Adekeye also questioned the legality of El-Rufai’s continued detention, claiming that his legal team had not been presented with a valid remand order authorising detention beyond 48 hours without charge. He further alleged that members of the former governor’s family were facing difficulties gaining access to him.

“One of his wives was not allowed to deliver his meal directly to him on the evening of 17 February, but was asked to pass it through one of the commission’s personnel. His lawyers have reported that he suffered an overnight episode of bleeding from his nose,” Adekeye said.

Also read: EFCC extends El-Rufai detention over N432bn probe

However, ICPC spokesperson Okor Odey rejected the claim in a response to journalists on Tuesday.

“The allegation that he bled from his nose yesterday while in the custody of the ICPC is not true,” Odey said.

Legal battles widen

The investigations into El-Rufai stem from findings by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which in 2024 indicted the former governor over the alleged diversion of N432 billion in public funds and money laundering. The assembly subsequently recommended his prosecution.

In addition to the financial allegations, the State Security Service (SSS) is reportedly preparing to arraign El-Rufai over remarks he made on national television claiming he tapped the phone of National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and listened to his conversations.

Meanwhile, Adekeye disclosed that a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by El-Rufai against the federal government, the ICPC, the EFCC, and the SSS is scheduled to be heard at the Federal Capital Territory High Court.

The case has generated significant public interest, given El-Rufai’s prominence in national politics and the scale of the allegations involved. While anti-corruption agencies insist that due process is being followed, his legal team maintains that his detention violates constitutional safeguards.

As investigations continue, attention is expected to shift to the courts, where judges will determine the legality of the detention and the merits of the allegations against the former governor.