Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the rule of law and constitutional protections are respected in the ongoing prosecution of her husband.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, the lawyer maintained that her family is not seeking to halt the criminal proceedings against the former governor but wants authorities to ensure that he enjoys the rights guaranteed under Nigerian law.
Responding to questions about allegations made by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Aisha argued that authorities had failed to fully comply with a court order granting her husband access to medical care.
"The court directive was very clear. He should have unfettered access to medical care. As far as we're concerned, that is what the court order says," she said.
Addressing concerns that a hospital visit could have been used for purposes other than medical treatment, Aisha said the family deliberately requested an evening appointment to minimise public attention but claimed the appointment was instead scheduled for a busy morning period.
According to her, any interactions her husband had with members of the public occurred openly in the hospital reception area while he waited to collect his medical report.
"He had conversations in a public place. It was not a closed-door meeting, and he does not even have access to a telephone," she said.
Asiya also criticised the arrest of El-Rufai's longtime physician, arguing that the development could discourage medical professionals from offering independent clinical opinions.
"If doctors become afraid to offer professional opinions, then this is no longer about Nasir El-Rufai. It is about professionals being intimidated from carrying out their duties," she said.
She warned that such actions could undermine confidence within the medical profession and contribute to the migration of healthcare workers from Nigeria.
Turning to the legal process, Aisha appealed directly to President Tinubu, stressing that she was not asking him to interfere with the judiciary or ongoing investigations.
Instead, she urged the President to ensure that all institutions involved act within the law.
"The President may not have the power to stop the prosecution, but he has the responsibility to ensure that the law is followed and that due process is respected," she said.
Aisha also referred to her husband's political relationship with President Tinubu, noting that El-Rufai was among those who supported Tinubu's presidential bid.
She said she personally campaigned for the President because her husband believed in his leadership and described that support as being rooted in principle rather than political convenience.
Asked what message she would send directly to the President, Aisha said her appeal extends beyond her husband's case.
"I want to see a Nigeria where the rule of law is respected, where it doesn't matter who you are, everyone is equal before the law. If someone has committed an offence, prosecute that person, but do so in accordance with the law and with fairness," she said.
She further argued that if anyone believes El-Rufai poses a political challenge, the appropriate response should be democratic competition rather than restrictions outside the judicial process.
Her remarks come as legal proceedings involving the former governor continue before the courts, while the ICPC has maintained that it is acting within the law in its investigation and prosecution of the case.
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