The African Democratic Congress has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission of denying its leaders access to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai while in detention at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement issued Friday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said a delegation comprising National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, Abdullahi and Salihu Lukman visited the ICPC headquarters but were refused access to El-Rufai despite prior communication with the commission.
The party alleged that the atmosphere at the facility became tense after three truckloads of armed police officers reportedly arrived during the visit.
According to the ADC, the deployment created the impression that authorities were attempting to intimidate opposition figures and suppress concerns over El-Rufai’s treatment in custody.
The party said it had earlier written to the ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, requesting visitation rights for the former governor amid concerns raised by family members over alleged restrictions on access to doctors and food.
The ADC claimed El-Rufai’s wife, Asia El-Rufai, had previously alleged that she was prevented from delivering food to him and that access to medical personnel had also been restricted.
The ICPC had earlier denied allegations of mistreatment and maintained that due process and access protocols were being followed.
The opposition party, however, warned that continued denial of access to El-Rufai by family members, doctors, lawyers and party officials would deepen public suspicion over the circumstances surrounding his detention.
The ADC described El-Rufai’s detention as “punishment by process” and accused authorities of weaponising state institutions against opposition figures.
The party also warned that Nigerians and the international community were closely monitoring developments surrounding the case.
Comments
Add a comment