The family of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, protested at the State Security Service (SSS) headquarters in Abuja on Monday. They're upset about his continued detention and alleged breach of court orders. The family doesn't think he should be held by the SSS.

They were joined by Senator Lawal Adamu, who represents Kaduna Central, and other supporters. They demanded that Mr El-Rufai be returned to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) immediately. The family's concerned about his detention.

The family's alarmed that the former governor was taken into SSS custody instead of being returned to the ICPC. This didn't follow the court's orders. The court had ordered that he be remanded in ICPC custody.

We now live in constant fear, said Mrs El-Rufai, the former governor's wife. Every day we get a threat. The DSS, or SSS, is coming to raid our house, the ICPC is coming to raid our house, the police are coming to raid our house. We're being followed. Our phones are tapped.

Mr El-Rufai appeared before Judge Joyce AbdulMalik of the Federal High Court. She granted him bail. During the break, Mr El-Rufai was taken to the SSS facility. He didn't want to go.

He told them, 'I'm not going to step down because there are two court orders that say I should be remanded in ICPC custody. Why are you bringing me here?' He also said, 'I'm not a piece of furniture to be moved.' Mrs El-Rufai shared this information.

Mr El-Rufai was later returned to ICPC custody. But he was taken to the SSS again after the afternoon court session. As of the time Mrs El-Rufai spoke, he'd refused to step out of the vehicle on the SSS premises.

He told them that if they wanted to take him inside the SSS custody, they'd have to physically force him. He said this because they had an agreement. Mrs El-Rufai shared his words.

The ICPC Deputy Director, Okor Odey, denied claims that Mr El-Rufai was being held by the SSS. What he knows is that, as of about 30 minutes before he spoke, Mr El-Rufai was in ICPC custody.

Mr Odey also said Mr El-Rufai had repeatedly expressed a preference to remain in ICPC custody. He's made this clear.

However, the ICPC earlier defended its access control procedures. It denied allegations that the former governor was denied food, medical care, or family access. The ICPC said these claims are false and misleading.

Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, has been in custody for 91 days. His family's concerned about his health and well-being. They don't think he should be held for so long.

The family also accused the ICPC of issuing false statements. They said they'd petition the House of Representatives. They're taking action.

Senator Lawal Adamu called for Mr El-Rufai's immediate release on self-recognition bail. He thinks Mr El-Rufai shouldn't remain in custody. Mr El-Rufai flew in from Cairo to submit himself to the authorities.

The Director General of the El-Rufai Support Group Association, Uche Dialla, said the handling of the case amounts to psychological torture. He thinks repeated transfers between agencies and court appearances violate international human rights standards.

The family and supporters won't give up. They'll keep fighting for Mr El-Rufai's release.

  • Nasir El-Rufai has been in custody for 91 days.
  • The ICPC denied claims that Mr El-Rufai was being held by the SSS.
  • Mr El-Rufai was granted bail in the sum of N100 million.
  • The family's demanding his immediate return to ICPC custody.
  • The ICPC defended its access control procedures and denied allegations of denying Mr El-Rufai food, medical care, or family access.