Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure her husband receives what she described as his constitutional rights while facing prosecution.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday alongside El-Rufai’s second wife, Aichatou, Asiya said the family was not asking the president to stop the legal case against the former governor but to ensure he is treated fairly.
Her remarks followed the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Prof. Bello Abubakar, an action the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) confirmed on Tuesday.
Asiya alleged that her husband, who she said is being treated for High Blood Pressure and high blood sugar, has been denied proper medical attention 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.
She reminded Tinubu of the support she and her husband gave him 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.
Asiya also urged the president to intervene to ensure El-Rufai is granted bail if he qualifies under the law.
“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.”
The former governor’s wife claimed that the family’s inability to regularly see him has caused emotional distress.
“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 doctor had been denied access to him and questioned who gave the directive preventing the physician from seeing his patient.
Asiya also raised concerns over a medical report reportedly issued by the National Hospital, Abuja, saying its authenticity and the circumstances surrounding its release should be investigated.
According to her, the restrictions placed on El-Rufai have made it difficult for him to 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.