El-Rufai detention: ‘They brought ‘Russian doctor’ without family consent’ – Timi Frank alleges
Former APC Spokesman Raises Concerns Over El-Rufai’s Health in DSS Custody
Timi Frank, a former deputy spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress (APC), has expressed serious concerns regarding the health and safety of Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, who is currently in the custody of the Department of State Security (DSS).
In a statement released on Friday, Frank claimed that a Russian doctor was brought in on Thursday to examine El-Rufai without the consent of his family. He questioned the reasons behind this medical intervention, particularly given the former governor’s reported state of well-being during his last appearance at the Federal High Court.
“A DSS official confirmed to me that a Russian doctor visited Mallam Nasir El-Rufai around 9:45 p.m., claiming he was ill and in need of medical attention,” Frank stated. “Although Mallam El-Rufai initially refused the examination, he was reportedly compelled to undergo it.”
Frank further inquired, “If Mallam El-Rufai is truly ill, why bring in a foreign doctor at that time of night?”
He called on various stakeholders, including the Nigerian Bar Association, religious leaders, northern elders, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and the international community, to advocate for El-Rufai’s immediate release so he can adequately prepare for his defense.
El-Rufai was previously granted bail of 100 million naira by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of a national security breach. However, he remains in DSS custody as he has yet to meet the bail conditions.
The family of El-Rufai has previously raised alarms regarding his extended detention, highlighting fears for his well-being.
