A spokesperson for former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir
El-Rufai, has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related
Offences Commission (ICPC) of failing to provide adequate medical attention to
the former governor despite complaints about a worsening eye condition while in
custody.
In a statement issued on Friday, Muyiwa Adekeye
alleged that El-Rufai had repeatedly reported suffering from swollen, reddish,
and itchy eyes and had requested access to a medical doctor for treatment.
According to Adekeye, family members who visited the
former governor also raised concerns about his health with ICPC officials and
appealed for urgent medical intervention.
The spokesperson stated that two officials of the
anti-graft agency examined El-Rufai's eyes after the complaints were made.
However, he claimed that no further medical action was taken following the
examination.
Adekeye further alleged that an ICPC official
identified as Henry informed one of El-Rufai's relatives that the former
governor had declined to see a doctor, a claim he described as false and
misleading.
“Two ICPC officials checked and observed the condition
of his eyes. It was expected that this would lead to either a hospital visit or
the invitation of a medical practitioner to attend to him. However, no such
action was taken,” the statement said.
The aide also disclosed that El-Rufai had reportedly
visited an eye clinic on June 4 but claimed that his condition deteriorated
significantly afterward. According to him, family members who visited the
former governor later found him in considerable discomfort and were concerned
by the visible worsening of his symptoms.
Adekeye noted that El-Rufai's legal team had
previously secured a court order permitting him access to his personal doctors
and necessary medical treatment due to recurring eye-related health concerns
during his detention.
He accused the commission of failing to comply with
that order and urged authorities to respect the former governor's rights while
he remains in custody.
“No government agency is permitted to ignore the
medical condition of a person under its care,” Adekeye said. “The ICPC must
comply with court directives, respect the rights of detainees, and ensure that
those in its custody receive appropriate medical treatment when required.”
At the time of the statement, the ICPC had not
publicly responded to the allegations made by El-Rufai’s spokesperson.
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