The wife of former Kaduna State Governorz Nasir El-Rufai, Asiya El-Rufai, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure her husband receives fair treatment and his constitutional rights while standing trial.
Speaking with journalists at the family’s Abuja residence on Tuesday night, Asiya said the family is not asking the president to interfere with the judicial process but to ensure that El-Rufai is granted the rights guaranteed to every Nigerian citizen, including access to medical care, legal representation and reasonable bail.
Her appeal came shortly after the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) announced the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Prof. Bello Abubakar.
In an emotional address, Asiya recalled the support she and her husband gave Tinubu during the 2023 presidential campaign, questioning whether the family’s current ordeal was a fair reward for their loyalty.
“Mr. President, I campaigned for you. I went to every nook and cranny of Kaduna State for you. My husband stood by your side. Is this what our family deserves?” she said.
She urged the president to ensure justice is served without violating El-Rufai’s constitutional rights.
“We are not asking you to stop the prosecution. We are only asking that he be given the basic human rights guaranteed by the constitution.
“Let him be granted bail on reasonable terms. If he is guilty, let the court decide; if he is innocent, let the court also decide,” she pleaded.
According to Asiya, the former governor, who is reportedly battling high blood pressure and high blood sugar, has been denied adequate medical attention while in custody.
She also alleged that restrictions on his access to doctors, lawyers and family members have made it difficult for him to prepare his defence.
She described the situation as emotionally draining for the family, saying they live in constant fear over his health and wellbeing.
“We, the family, are traumatised. We live in constant fear that we will wake up and hear some bad news,” she said.
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Asiya further alleged that the treatment meted out to El-Rufai was intended to psychologically intimidate both him and his family.
The family also questioned the reported denial of access to Prof. Bello Abubakar, claiming they were informed that the decision came from unnamed authorities.
They equally called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding a medical report allegedly issued by the National Hospital, Abuja.
She concluded by renewing the family’s appeal for El-Rufai to be released on bail pending the determination of his case, insisting that the former governor deserves a fair trial in accordance with the law.
