Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure her husband receives fair treatment as legal proceedings against him continue.
Speaking alongside El-Rufai’s second wife, Aichatou, in Abuja on Tuesday evening, Asiya expressed concern over what the family described as restrictions on the former governor’s access to medical care, legal counsel and family members.
The appeal came following the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Prof. Bello Abubakar, by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Addressing journalists, Asiya said the family was not asking the President to interfere with the judicial process but to ensure that El-Rufai enjoys the constitutional rights guaranteed to every Nigerian, including access to healthcare, legal representation, family visits and reasonable bail conditions.
She also recalled the family’s support for Tinubu during the 2023 presidential campaign, saying they worked extensively across Kaduna State to mobilise support for his election.
“Mr. President, I campaigned for you. I went to every nook and cranny of Kaduna State for you. My husband stood by your side. Is this what our family deserves? The ball is in your court. We believe you are a father, and we know you can empathise,” she said.
Asiya maintained that the family was seeking justice rather than political intervention, urging the President to ensure that due process is followed.
“We are not asking you to stop the prosecution. We are only asking that he be allowed the fundamental human rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Let him be granted bail he can afford. If he is guilty, let the court decide. If he is innocent, let the court decide,” she added.
She further disclosed that the family has been left traumatised by what it described as limited access to the former governor and concerns over his health, alleging that the restrictions have taken an emotional toll on his relatives.
According to her, El-Rufai, who is reportedly battling severe hypertension and high blood sugar, requires regular medical attention.
She also alleged that the treatment meted out to the former governor amounted to psychological pressure on both him and his family.
“We do not shy away from defending ourselves, but we want a fair trial. We want an opportunity to be heard. Malam cannot adequately prepare for his defence while he remains in custody and has limited access to his lawyers,” she said.