Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai reportedly suffered a nosebleed while in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), according to his spokesperson, Muyiwa Adekeye.

In a statement on Monday, Adekeye alleged that the anti-graft agency prevented El-Rufai’s wife from personally delivering food to him on February 17, saying she was instructed to pass the meal through officials. He also claimed that lawyers and family members have faced difficulties accessing the former governor in detention.

El-Rufai turned himself in at the EFCC headquarters on February 16 after receiving an invitation from the commission. Two days later, on February 18, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) took him into custody following his release by the EFCC.

Both agencies are investigating allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure as Kaduna governor from 2015 to 2023. In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly accused him of misappropriating N423 billion and engaging in money laundering, prompting calls for investigation by anti-corruption bodies.

Adekeye said El-Rufai’s legal team has not been presented with any remand order justifying detention beyond 48 hours without formal charges. He added that the matter of access to the detainee remains unresolved.

According to the statement, El-Rufai is scheduled to appear before the Federal Capital Territory High Court on Wednesday in a suit seeking enforcement of his fundamental rights against the Federal Government, EFCC, ICPC and the DSS.

He is also expected to be arraigned this week over allegations that he intercepted a telephone conversation involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

Separately, El-Rufai has filed a lawsuit against the ICPC, accusing the agency of unlawfully raiding his Abuja residence.