The detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai took a dramatic turn on Monday as members of his family, political associates, and supporters staged a protest at the headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS), accusing security agencies of subjecting him to “politically motivated psychological torture” and disregarding valid court orders.
The protesters expressed anger over the decision to allegedly move the former governor into DSS custody instead of keeping him with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), despite what they described as clear directives from the court.
Speaking emotionally outside the DSS headquarters, El-Rufai’s first wife, Asia Nasir, said the family had been living under intense fear and intimidation since the former governor’s arrest, claiming they were constantly threatened with raids by different security agencies.
“We now live in constant fear,” she declared, alleging that security operatives continuously trail family members, monitor their movements, and tap their phones. She stated.”
According to her, the family now wakes daily to threats of possible invasions by the DSS, ICPC, or the police, creating what she described as an atmosphere of psychological torment around the former governor’s household.
She narrated that earlier in the day, El-Rufai appeared before Justice Joyce AbdulMalik of the Federal High Court, where he was granted bail before proceedings were adjourned until 1pm
However, during the break in proceedings, security operatives allegedly attempted to move him to the DSS facility , a move the former governor openly challenged, questioning why authorities were trying to transfer him in violation of the court orders.“He told them clearly that he was not an object to be moved around at will,” she said.
She however said , he was eventually returned to the ICPC after protesting the move, but the situation escalated again during the afternoon court session when the prosecution sought an adjournment and the matter was fixed for the following day.
At the time the family addressed journalists, Asia also condemned the development, accusing security agencies of violating the understanding reached before Justice AbdulMalik after concerns were raised over conflicting court directives.
According to her, when the issue of custody arose in court, the judge had directed both the DSS and ICPC to determine among themselves where the former governor would be held.
