ICPC Denies Claim of Nosebleed in El-Rufai’s Custody

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed claims that former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, suffered a nosebleed while in its custody.

The commission was responding to allegations made by El-Rufai’s spokesperson, Muyiwa Adekeye, who had stated that the former governor experienced a health issue during his detention. The ICPC, however, insisted that El-Rufai did not suffer any medical complications while under its watch.

El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 18, following his release from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he reportedly spent two nights.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Adekeye said members of El-Rufai’s legal team had not been presented with any remand order authorising his continued detention beyond 48 hours without formal charges. He also alleged that the former governor’s family and lawyers were facing challenges gaining access to him.

According to Adekeye, one of El-Rufai’s wives was prevented from handing his meal directly to him on February 17 and was instead asked to pass it through a commission official. He further claimed that the former governor experienced a nosebleed overnight.

But the ICPC refuted the allegation. Its spokesperson, Okor Odey, described the claim as untrue, maintaining that El-Rufai did not suffer any such incident while in detention.

Both the ICPC and the EFCC are investigating El-Rufai over alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.

In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted him over the alleged diversion of N432 billion in public funds and money laundering, and recommended his prosecution.