A Nigerian human rights activist, Hamza N. Dantani, has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to ensure full compliance with court orders and respect for the fundamental rights of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, amid growing public concern over his alleged treatment in custody.
In a formal appeal addressed to the Chairman of the ICPC, Dantani expressed concern over allegations circulating in the public space that El-Rufai was being denied access to family members, food brought by relatives, and medical attention from his personal physician while in detention.
The concerns, which reportedly stemmed from statements attributed to El-Rufai’s wife, Mrs. Aisha El-Rufai, suggested that despite an alleged subsisting court order permitting unhindered access to family and medical care, these provisions were not being fully implemented.
Although the ICPC has not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report, the claims have sparked renewed debate on the balance between anti-corruption enforcement and the protection of constitutional rights of detainees.
In his letter, Dantani anchored his arguments on several provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), including Section 34 on dignity of the human person, Section 35 on personal liberty, Section 36 on fair hearing, and Section 46 on the enforcement of fundamental rights.
He also referenced international human rights obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, particularly provisions relating to dignity and access to healthcare.
Citing landmark Supreme Court decisions such as Governor of Lagos State v. Ojukwu, Fawehinmi v. Abacha, and Agbakoba v. DSS, the activist stressed that all government agencies are bound by the rule of law and must comply with valid and subsisting court orders.
He warned that any deviation from judicial directives could amount to executive recklessness and undermine public confidence in the country’s anti-corruption institutions.
Dantani urged the ICPC leadership to immediately ensure compliance with all relevant court orders, guarantee unrestricted access to family and medical personnel, and uphold humane treatment standards for the detainee.
He further emphasized that while anti-corruption efforts remain essential to national development, they must be carried out strictly within constitutional boundaries and in accordance with due process.
“The integrity of anti-corruption institutions is strengthened when they operate within the framework of the law and respect human dignity,” he stated in the letter.
The development adds to ongoing public scrutiny of the ICPC’s handling of high-profile investigations, with observers calling for transparency and strict adherence to legal procedures.
As of press time, neither the ICPC nor representatives of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai had issued an official public response to the latest allegations.