Abuja, Nigeria — The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to grant former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, immediate access to medical treatment over concerns about his deteriorating health condition while in detention.
The demand was made in a statement issued on Thursday by the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, who expressed alarm over reports alleging that El-Rufai’s health, particularly an eye condition, is worsening in custody.
According to the group, El-Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, had raised concerns that the former governor’s eyes were swollen, reddish, and itchy, while also alleging that he had been denied access to necessary medical care by the anti-corruption agency.
MURIC described the development as troubling, stressing that while legal processes must be respected, detainees are entitled to humane treatment in line with constitutional provisions and international human rights standards.
The group cited Sections 33 and 34 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantee the right to life and dignity of the human person, warning that denial of medical care to a detainee constitutes a violation of fundamental rights.
It also referenced the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, noting that every individual is entitled to respect for their life and personal integrity.
“MURIC is severely disturbed by this report. While we believe that the law must take its due course, we expect ICPC to toe the line of best global practices,” the statement read.
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The organisation therefore demanded that the anti-corruption agency provide immediate medical attention to El-Rufai, emphasizing that his fundamental human rights must be upheld while in custody.
MURIC further cautioned against any actions that could be interpreted as a violation of detainees’ rights, insisting that justice must not only be done but seen to be done within the bounds of the law.
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