Fresh Controversy: ICPC Accused Of Preventing El-Rufai From Accessing Medical Care

Muyiwa Adekeye, media aide to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of allegedly denying the ex-governor access to medical care despite reports of a worsening eye condition.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement issued on Friday, Adekeye said el-Rufai, while in the custody of the anti-graft agency, complained of swollen, red and itchy eyes and requested medical attention.

He added that family members who visited the former governor also alerted ICPC officials to his condition and appealed for urgent medical intervention.

According to him, two ICPC officials examined el-Rufai’s eyes, but no further steps were taken to provide medical care.

“Two ICPC officials checked and saw the condition of his eyes. This was expected step to prompt either a hospital check or that a doctor would be summoned to attend to him,” Adekeye said.

He further alleged that an official identified as Henry told a family member that el-Rufai did not wish to see a doctor, a claim he described as false.

“However, no medical attention was arranged. Rather one Henry, believed to have been seconded to the ICPC from another agency, falsely informed a family member that El-Rufai did not wish to see a doctor,” the statement read.

Adekeye said the former governor had earlier been taken to an eye clinic on June 4 but claimed his condition worsened afterwards.

He added that visiting family members found him “in great discomfort” and were alarmed by the state of his eyes.

The aide also stated that el-Rufai’s legal team had previously secured a court order granting him access to his doctors and medical treatment while in detention, accusing the ICPC of failing to comply.

“The ICPC persists in treating him as if he is without rights and is undeserving of a duty of care while in their custody,” he said.

Adekeye urged the commission to respect the court order and ensure proper medical care is provided, stressing that no agency has the right to ignore the health needs of persons in its custody.

“The ICPC must respect human rights of persons in its custody, obey court orders and allow them access to the medical treatment that they require,” he added.