The media aide to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, Muyiwa Adekeye, has raised fresh concerns over the deteriorating eye condition of his principal while in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC.
Mr Adekeye also accused the anti-graft agency of denying the former governor access to medical care despite repeated complaints about his worsening condition.
In a statement issued on Friday, Mr Adekeye said Mr El-Rufai had complained of swollen, reddish and itchy eyes while in detention and requested medical attention.
According to him, family members who visited the former governor observed the condition and alerted ICPC officials, requesting that he be allowed to see a doctor.
He said two ICPC officials examined El-Rufai’s eyes but no further medical intervention was provided.
Mr Adekeye further alleged that an official identified as Henry informed a family member that the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, did not wish to see a doctor.
“Two ICPC officials checked and saw the condition of his eyes. This was expected to prompt either a hospital visit or the invitation of a doctor to attend to him,” the statement said.
“However, no medical attention was arranged. Rather, one Henry, believed to have been seconded to the ICPC from another agency, falsely informed a family member that Mr El-Rufai did not wish to see a doctor.
“Henry was vigorously challenged by a family member over what was considered a false, insensitive and absurd claim.”
Mr Adekeye stated that El-Rufai had previously been taken to an eye clinic on June 4, but his condition reportedly worsened overnight.
“The wives who visited him today found him in great discomfort and were alarmed by the condition of his eyes,” he said.
The aide also disclosed that El-Rufai’s legal team had earlier secured a court order granting him access to his doctors and medical treatment due to recurring eye-related issues while in custody.
“The ICPC persists in treating him as though he is without rights and undeserving of a duty of care while in its custody,” Adekeye alleged.
He called on the commission to comply with the court order and ensure that the former governor receives appropriate medical attention.
“No agency of government is permitted to be indifferent to the medical condition of a person in its custody,” he said.
“The ICPC must respect the human rights of persons in its custody, obey court orders, and allow them access to the medical treatment they require.”