The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of denying former Kaduna State governor Nasiru El-Rufai access to medical treatment while in custody.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 7, the party also alleged that ICPC operatives arrested El-Rufai’s personal doctor and assaulted his wife during an incident at the National Hospital, Abuja.
According to the ADC, El-Rufai had been taken to the hospital for treatment, where doctors reportedly recommended that he be admitted because of his deteriorating health. However, the party claimed ICPC officials ignored the medical advice and returned him to custody.
The opposition party further alleged that a confrontation broke out after El-Rufai’s wife and personal physician protested the decision.
“Officials of the ICPC forcefully denied Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai access to medical care, arrested his personal physician and physically assaulted his wife,” the statement said.
The ADC described the development as a violation of constitutional rights and accused the Federal Government of using law enforcement agencies to target political opponents.
“The world should know today that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is holding a political prisoner in Nigeria by the name of Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai,” the party stated.
The party argued that denying a detainee access to medical care, family members and legal representatives was inconsistent with democratic principles and the rule of law.
It also called on the ICPC to explain why El-Rufai’s family and doctor were allegedly denied access to him and the legal basis for the restrictions placed on him.
The ADC demanded immediate access for El-Rufai to his family, lawyers and personal doctors, a review of his bail conditions, improved detention conditions, full compliance with constitutional safeguards, and greater transparency from the anti-graft agency.
As of the time the statement was issued, the ICPC had not publicly responded to the allegations made by the ADC.
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