HEALTHCARE IS BEING WEAPONISED,’ EL-RUFAI’S WIFE LAMENTS ARREST OF HUSBAND’S DOCTOR
Asia El-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has accused authorities of “weaponising healthcare” following the arrest of her husband’s personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, during an ongoing investigation involving the former governor.
Speaking to journalists, Asia expressed concern over her husband’s health and detention conditions, alleging that he has been denied adequate access to medical care despite reportedly suffering from high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar levels. She appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure that her husband is accorded his constitutional rights and receives a fair trial.
According to her, the family’s efforts to secure proper medical attention for El-Rufai were frustrated, while the arrest of his personal doctor has heightened concerns about what she described as the use of healthcare as a tool of intimidation. She also questioned restrictions placed on family members and legal representatives seeking access to the former governor.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), however, said it approved El-Rufai’s hospital visit in compliance with a court order but alleged that the visit was used for activities beyond a medical consultation. The commission also announced the arrest of Professor Bello Abubakar over alleged false statements and said it would bring the alleged breach of the court order to the attention of the court.
The controversy has drawn reactions from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which criticised the handling of El-Rufai’s detention and called for unrestricted access to medical care, family members, and legal counsel, while the ICPC insists it acted within the law.
El-Rufai is currently facing multiple criminal charges, including allegations of abuse of office, fraud, money laundering, and procurement-related offences. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and maintains that the case against him is politically motivated.
