The media aide to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, Muyiwa Adekeye, has expressed concern over what he described as the worsening eye condition of his principal while in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Adekeye also accused the anti-corruption agency of failing to provide El-Rufai with adequate medical care despite repeated complaints about his health.
In a statement issued on Friday, Adekeye said the former governor had reported symptoms including swollen, red, and itchy eyes while in detention and had requested medical attention.
According to him, family members who visited El-Rufai noticed the condition and alerted ICPC officials, urging them to allow him access to medical treatment.
He stated that although two ICPC officials examined El-Rufai’s eyes, no further medical action was taken.
Adekeye further alleged that an official identified as Henry informed a family member that the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) did not wish to see a doctor.
“Two ICPC officials inspected his eyes and observed the condition. This should ordinarily have led to either a hospital visit or arrangements for a doctor to attend to him,” the statement said.
“However, no medical attention was provided. Instead, one Henry, believed to have been seconded from another agency, reportedly told a family member that Mr El-Rufai did not want to see a doctor.
“That claim was strongly challenged by a family member, who considered it false, insensitive, and unreasonable.”
Adekeye noted that El-Rufai had previously been taken to an eye clinic on June 4, but his condition allegedly deteriorated overnight.
“The wives who visited him today found him in considerable discomfort and were alarmed by the state of his eyes,” he said.
The aide also revealed that El-Rufai’s legal team had secured a court order granting him access to his doctors and medical treatment due to recurring eye-related concerns while in custody.
“The ICPC continues to treat him as though he has no rights and is not entitled to proper care while under its custody,” Adekeye alleged.
He called on the commission to comply with the court order and ensure that the former governor receives the medical attention he requires.
“No government agency should be indifferent to the health condition of a person in its custody,” he said.
“The ICPC must respect the rights of detainees, obey court directives, and allow access to necessary medical treatment.”
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