El-Rufai's Wife Appeals for Fair Treatment After Husband's Criminal Prosecution

“‘I know what we went through. My husband supported President Tinubu because he’s an honourable man. He fought everyone, he even fought President Buhari… So yes, I brought it up because it is normal to expect basic courtesy from somebody that you’ve done so much for.’”

— Asiya El-Rufai

Asiya El-Rufai, the wife of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has made a public appeal to President Bola Tinubu to ensure her husband is treated fairly during his criminal prosecution. Speaking on ARISE NEWS on Wednesday, Asiya, a lawyer, said the family’s support for Tinubu’s presidency entails basic courtesy from his administration.

According to Asiya, her husband Nasir has been unfairly denied bail despite previously being granted bail on self-recognition by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and honouring all court appearances. She also accused the prosecutors of casting him as a flight risk, which led to his repeated bail rejections.

Asiya added that her husband, who suffers from glaucoma, has been denied access to his longtime physician, Professor Bello, who has since been arrested. She described this as the “weaponising” of healthcare, warning it could deter medical professionals from offering independent opinions.

The family is demanding that the government upholds due process and provides Nasir with access to adequate medical care, legal representation, family visits, and bail on reasonable terms. Asiya urged the government to respect her husband’s constitutional rights, saying that suppressing democracy could lead to anarchy.

Nasir El-Rufai is a key figure in Nigerian politics, known for his strong stance on issues and his willingness to challenge the status quo. His support for Tinubu’s presidency was seen as a significant endorsement, and Asiya's appeal is likely to spark intense interest in the country's political circles.

The prosecution of Nasir El-Rufai is a high-profile case that could have far-reaching implications for the country's politics and judiciary. The case has been ongoing for several months, with numerous court appearances and hearings.

The case of Nasir El-Rufai has raised concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the Nigerian judiciary. Asiya's appeal to President Tinubu is likely to spark intense debate about the role of the government in upholding the rule of law.