Blood Flows in Detention: El-Rufai's Nosebleed Sparks Alarm Over Custody Conditions | READ DETAILS

Fresh concerns have surfaced over the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following claims by his media team that he suffered a nosebleed while in custody and was denied direct access to food brought by his family.

In a statement issued by his media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, it was disclosed that El-Rufai has remained in detention for eight days after voluntarily honouring an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16, 2026.

According to the aide, tensions escalated when the former governor allegedly experienced an overnight nosebleed while in detention, a development his lawyers say has heightened anxiety about his wellbeing.

The statement further claimed that on February 17, one of his wives attempted to deliver food to him but was prevented from handing it over personally. She was reportedly instructed to pass the meal to an EFCC official for onward delivery.

While authorities have not publicly responded to these specific allegations, the claims have triggered public debate over detainee welfare and access to family members during ongoing investigations.

Adekeye stated that although El-Rufai was interrogated and granted administrative bail, he has continued to be held while his legal team seeks a variation of the bail conditions.

The aide described the continued detention as difficult to justify, arguing that no valid remand order has been presented to extend custody beyond constitutionally permitted limits.

In what his legal team reportedly described as a troubling development, El-Rufai was allegedly transferred on the night of February 18 from EFCC custody to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) without prior notice to him or his lawyers.

Since the transfer, applications for bail before the ICPC have reportedly been filed but remain pending.

Legal analysts note that inter-agency transfers in sensitive investigations often raise questions about procedure, transparency, and detainees' access to counsel.

The matter is expected to shift to the judiciary on February 25, when El-Rufai is scheduled to appear before the Federal High Court in a fundamental rights enforcement suit.

The suit reportedly names the Federal Government, the ICPC, the EFCC, and the Department of State Services (DSS) as respondents and seeks an order admitting him to bail.

Observers say the proceedings could become a major test of constitutional safeguards, especially regarding detention timelines, bail conditions, and inter-agency investigative coordination.

Adekeye warned that the alleged treatment of the former governor raises serious concerns about due process and the protection of detainees' rights as legal proceedings begin.

As the situation unfolds, attention now turns to the courts, where critical questions surrounding detention procedures, administrative bail, and constitutional rights may be addressed.