Former Deputy Spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has raised fresh concerns over the health and safety of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who is currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
In a statement released on Friday, Frank alleged that a Russian doctor was brought on Thursday night to examine El-Rufai without the consent of his family, questioning the motive behind the development.
He claimed that the examination reportedly took place around 9:45 p.m., adding that the former governor initially refused but was allegedly compelled to undergo medical attention.
“A DSS official reached out to me to reliably confirm that a Russian doctor visited Mallam Nasir El-Rufai at about 9:45 p.m. under the claim that he was ill and required medical attention.
“Although Mallam El-Rufai allegedly refused initially, he was reportedly compelled to undergo medical examination,” Frank was quoted as saying.
Frank further questioned why a foreign medical practitioner would be invited for the evaluation at such a late hour if the former governor was truly unwell.
“If Mallam El-Rufai is truly ill, why bring in a foreign doctor at that time of the night?” he queried.
He expressed concern over El-Rufai’s welfare, urging northern leaders and other stakeholders not to remain silent over the situation.
“I pray that northern elders and youths will not sit back and watch anything untoward happen to Mallam El-Rufai,” he said.
Frank also called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and the international community to demand El-Rufai’s immediate release so he can prepare for his defence.
Recall that El-Rufai was granted a ₦100 million bail by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged national security breaches. However, he was subsequently taken back into DSS custody pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.
Meanwhile, the family of the former governor had earlier raised concerns over his continued detention, amid growing public debate surrounding the case.
