TDA viral video has emerged showing Hajiya Aisha El‑Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El‑Rufai, visibly emotional outside the headquarters of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
In the handheld nighttime recording, Hajiya Aisha explains that she arrived at the ICPC premises around 6–7 PM with food for her husband.
According to her, officials refused to allow her entry or accept the food, citing an internal rule that no food deliveries would be accepted after 6:30 PM.
She expressed frustration and concern.
She noted that this denial followed an earlier incident where El‑Rufai’s doctor was reportedly barred from seeing him despite a court order granting medical access.
The family, including their son, has accused the ICPC of violating court directives and imposing arbitrary restrictions.
Son, Hon. Bello El‑Rufai, Reacts to ICPC Restrictions
Hon. Mohammed Bello El‑Rufai, son of Mallam Nasir El‑Rufai, has condemned ICPC for what he described as repeated violations of his father’s rights while in custody.
In a press statement, he highlighted two incidents that occurred on the same day:
-
Medical Access Blocked
At about 3 PM, El‑Rufai’s personal doctor was prevented from seeing him, with ICPC officials insisting on written permission from the Chairman.
The family stressed that this directly contravenes a court order granting unrestricted medical access.
-
Food Delivery Denied
At around 7 PM, El‑Rufai’s wife, Hajiya Aichatou, was turned away when she attempted to deliver his evening meal.
ICPC personnel cited an internal directive prohibiting food deliveries after 6:30 PM.
Hon. Mohammed Bello El‑Rufai described these actions as “an outright assault on the rule of law and a clear violation of our father’s constitutional and human rights.”
He added: “No lawful detention justifies denying medical access or refusing basic family care based on an arbitrary curfew fixed by the ICPC.
“Shame on them as an institution.”
Hon. Bello El‑Rufai demanded that all constitutional rights be fully respected.
He warned that the family would no longer tolerate what they termed “a pattern of intimidation dressed up as protocol.”
ICPC Detention Rules and Custody Standards
While ICPC has not publicly detailed its internal custody protocols, detention practices are governed by broader Nigerian laws:
- Legal Framework
- Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 (ICPC Act)
- 1999 Constitution (Section 35) – rights of arrested persons
- Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 – humane treatment, bail, and custody standards
- Humane Treatment
- Detainees must be treated with dignity, provided food, water, and medical care.
- Denial of basic necessities can be challenged as a violation of constitutional rights.
- Medical Access
- Suspects are entitled to medical attention.
- Court orders granting access to personal doctors override internal agency rules.
- Food and Family Deliveries
- No national law imposes a strict 6:30 PM cutoff.
- Agencies may adopt operational protocols for security or logistics, but these must not result in denying sustenance.
- Detention Limits
- Suspects must be brought before a court within 24–48 hours.
- Further detention requires a court remand order, usually limited to 14 days (renewable once).
- Bail Rights
- Most ICPC offences are bailable.
- Courts can grant bail even during remand proceedings.
Context of the El‑Rufai Case
The controversy centers on two key issues:
- Violation of Court Orders – Alleged denial of medical access despite judicial directives.
- Food Delivery Restrictions – Reported refusal to accept meals after 6:30 PM, seen by critics as arbitrary and inhumane.
Legal experts argue that ICPC’s internal directives cannot override constitutional rights or court rulings.
If proven, such restrictions may amount to unlawful detention practices.
Summary of the El‑Rufai Saga
The video of Hajiya Aisha El‑Rufai has intensified scrutiny of ICPC’s handling of detainees, raising questions about compliance with Nigeria’s criminal justice standards.
Under the ACJA and Constitution, detainees are entitled to humane treatment, medical care, and timely judicial oversight.
Arbitrary restrictions—such as food cutoffs—can be legally challenged as violations of fundamental rights.
This report highlights human rights concerns and political implications of keeping a suspect under conditions that violate basic rights.
