ABUJA, NIGERIA — The wife of former Kaduna State Governor, Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that her husband receives his constitutional rights following his detention and the arrest of his personal physician.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Asiya, who was accompanied by El-Rufai’s other wife, Aichatou, recalled the support she and her husband provided during President Tinubu’s 2023 presidential campaign, urging the President to ensure fairness and compassion.
She said the family was not asking the President to interfere with ongoing legal proceedings or stop any prosecution against the former governor, but appealed for respect for his rights, including access to medical care, lawyers, family members, and bail under reasonable conditions.
“Mr. President Sir, I campaigned for you. I stood up and 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.
The appeal followed the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Prof. Bello Abubakar, by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Asiya alleged that her husband, who she said has been diagnosed with high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels, had been denied access to medical treatment.
She maintained that the family was not seeking special privileges, but wanted the former governor to enjoy the same constitutional protections available to every Nigerian.
“Please let him go free. I am not asking you to tell them not to prosecute him, but we are asking you to allow him the basic human rights that the Constitution you swore to uphold and defend guarantees,” she said.
She added that if El-Rufai is found guilty, the courts should determine the outcome, and if he is innocent, the legal process should establish that as well.
The former governor’s wife further claimed that the continued detention and restrictions on access to medical and family support had caused emotional distress for the family, describing the situation as a source of constant fear and anxiety.
She urged President Tinubu to use his influence to promote fairness while allowing the judicial process to continue.
