Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure her husband receives fair treatment, insisting that he does not deserve what she described as “persecution.”
Speaking to journalists at the family’s residence in Abuja on Tuesday, Asiya, accompanied by El-Rufai’s other wife, Aichatou, said the family was not asking the President to interfere with the judicial process but to ensure that the former governor enjoys his constitutional rights.
Her remarks came after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) confirmed the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Prof. Bello Abubakar.
Addressing President Tinubu directly, Asiya recalled her family’s support during the 2023 presidential election campaign.
“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 asked.
She urged the President to ensure that El-Rufai is granted access to medical care, his family, legal counsel, and bail on reasonable terms.
“The ball is in your court, Mr. President. We are not asking you to stop his prosecution. We are only asking that he be allowed the basic human rights guaranteed by the Constitution. If he is guilty, let the court decide. If he is innocent, let the court also decide,” she said.
Asiya alleged that her husband, who she said suffers from high blood pressure and high blood sugar, has been denied access to his personal doctors despite his medical condition.
She further claimed that the family has been left traumatised by his continued detention and the restrictions placed on visits by relatives and lawyers.
“We live in constant fear that we may wake up to hear bad news,” she said, describing the situation as psychological pressure on both El-Rufai and his family.
The former governor’s wife also questioned the reported restriction placed on his personal physician, Prof. Bello Abubakar, alleging that officials cited “orders from above” to prevent the doctor from seeing El-Rufai.
“Who is the ‘above’?” she asked.
She also raised concerns over a medical report reportedly issued by the National Hospital, Abuja, calling for an independent investigation into its authenticity and the circumstances surrounding its issuance.
According to the family, the restrictions have affected El-Rufai’s ability to adequately prepare his legal defence.
“We do not shy away from defending ourselves, but 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.
The family reiterated that they are seeking respect for El-Rufai’s constitutional rights, including access to medical treatment, legal representation, family visits, and bail pending the conclusion of his trial.
Neither the Presidency nor the ICPC had publicly responded to the family’s latest allegations at the time of filing this report.
