Nasir El-Rufai is accusing the ICPC of neglecting his health while he's in their custody. The former Kaduna governor claims the anti-corruption agency ignored his complaints about a worsening eye condition.
His media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, made the allegation public on Friday. El-Rufai reportedly developed swollen, reddish, and itchy eyes during detention.
According to Adekeye's statement, El-Rufai repeatedly asked ICPC officials for medical attention. Family members who visited him also raised alarm about his deteriorating health.
Two ICPC officials examined his eyes after the complaints. But they never arranged for him to see a doctor afterward.
An official called Henry, seconded from another government agency, allegedly told El-Rufai's family that the former governor didn't want medical care. This claim was vigorously disputed by a family member during a visit.
El-Rufai was taken to an eye clinic on June 4. His condition worsened overnight, the statement said.
His wives visited him on Friday and were alarmed. They found him in significant discomfort because of his eyes.
El-Rufai's legal team had already obtained a court order. It granted him access to his own doctors and medical treatment for his eye problems.
He's now accusing ICPC of defying that court directive. According to him, the agency is treating him as if he has no rights.
"The ICPC persists in treating him as if he is without rights and is undeserving of a duty of care while in their custody," the statement noted.
Adekeye called on the agency to respect the court order immediately. He stressed that no detainee should be denied access to healthcare.
El-Rufai emphasized that fundamental rights apply to those in custody too. These include the right to necessary medical treatment.
"No agency of the government is allowed to be indifferent to the medical condition of a person in their custody," he stated.
He demanded that ICPC respect human rights and comply with court orders. The former governor said detainees must have access to the healthcare they require.
This dispute highlights tensions between El-Rufai and the anti-graft agency. His legal battle with ICPC continues as questions mount about his treatment in detention.
