Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure her husband enjoys his constitutional rights as he faces prosecution.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday alongside El-Rufai’s second wife, Aichatou, Asiya clarified that the family is not seeking to halt the legal proceedings against the former governor but is demanding that he be accorded fair treatment in line with the law.
Her appeal comes amid the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Prof. Bello Abubakar, a development the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) confirmed on Tuesday.
Asiya alleged that her husband, who is reportedly receiving treatment for high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar, has been denied adequate medical care while in custody.
“We are not asking you to stop the prosecution. We are only asking that he be allowed to enjoy the basic human rights guaranteed by the Constitution, including access to medical care, his family, lawyers and bail on reasonable terms,” she said.
Addressing President Tinubu directly, Asiya recalled the support she and her husband gave during the 2023 presidential election campaign.
“Mr. President, I campaigned for you across Kaduna State. My husband stood by your side. Is this what our family deserves?” she asked.
She urged the president to ensure that El-Rufai is granted bail if he qualifies under the law, stressing that the courts should determine his guilt or innocence.
“If he is guilty, let the court decide. If he is innocent, let the court also decide. Please let him have the rights every Nigerian is entitled to.”
Asiya said the family has been left traumatised by the situation, claiming they have been unable to see the former governor regularly.
“We, the family, are traumatised. We live in constant fear that we will wake up and hear some bad news,” she said.
She further alleged that El-Rufai’s personal physician has been denied access to him, questioning who authorised the restriction. She also called for an investigation into a medical report reportedly issued by the National Hospital, Abuja, raising concerns about its authenticity and the circumstances surrounding its release.
According to her, the restrictions imposed on the former governor have also hindered his ability to adequately prepare his legal defence.
“We want a fair trial. Malam cannot adequately prepare for his defence while he remains in custody and has limited access to his lawyers,” she said.
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