A political advocacy group, ADC Vanguard, has raised concerns over the alleged treatment of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, while in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), calling for transparency and respect for due process.
In a statement posted on X, the group said comments reportedly made publicly by El-Rufai’s wife regarding restricted access to food and medical care “should worry every Nigerian who still believes in due process, dignity, and the rule of law.”
“This issue is bigger than politics,” the statement read. “Whether anyone likes El-Rufai or not, no citizen in custody should be treated in a way that raises questions about access to medical care, food, family support, and basic human dignity.”
ADC Vanguard argued that detention should not amount to humiliation or cruelty, stressing that state institutions must uphold constitutional rights regardless of political affiliations.
“Detention is not a licence for humiliation. Investigation is not a licence for cruelty,” the group stated. “State power must never be used in a way that makes citizens fear that their rights can disappear once they fall out with those in authority.”
The group maintained that if there are legitimate allegations against the former governor, the legal process should be allowed to take its course in accordance with the rule of law.
“If there is a case against El-Rufai, let the law take its course. Let evidence be presented. Let the court decide,” the statement said. “But denying or restricting access to a doctor and food, if true, crosses a serious moral and legal line.”
ADC Vanguard further warned that anti-corruption efforts risk losing credibility if institutions are perceived as disregarding fundamental rights.
“Nigeria cannot claim to be fighting corruption while appearing to ignore fundamental rights,” the group stated. “A credible institution must know that justice is not only about investigation. It is also about fairness, transparency, humane treatment, and respect for the person in custody.”
Questioning the circumstances surrounding the alleged restrictions, the group said Nigerians deserve answers from the ICPC.
“Why should a former governor, a citizen, a father, and a political figure be placed in a situation where his wife has to stand outside and publicly complain about food and medical access?” the statement asked. “This should not be normal.”
ADC Vanguard called on the ICPC to immediately clarify the allegations, warning that public confidence in institutions could erode if agencies are seen as tools of political intimidation.
“Because once institutions begin to look like instruments of political intimidation, public trust dies,” the statement concluded. “And when trust dies, justice itself becomes suspect.”
