Officials from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have dismissed allegations made by former Kaduna Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, claiming he suffered nose bleeding while in their custody. The anti-corruption agency responded to assertions from El-Rufai's spokesperson, Muyiwa Adekeye, clarifying that the ex-governor did not experience any health issues during his detention.

El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 18, following his release from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he had been held for two nights. Adekeye stated on Tuesday that El-Rufai’s legal team had not been presented with any remand order authorizing his detention beyond 48 hours without formal charges. He also noted difficulties in gaining access to El-Rufai, citing that his family and lawyers were unable to see him.

According to Adekeye, one of El-Rufai’s wives was denied direct delivery of his meal on the evening of February 17, and was instead asked to pass it through a commission officer. Adekeye further claimed that El-Rufai experienced a nosebleed during the night. However, ICPC spokesperson Okor Odey firmly denied these reports, stating on Tuesday that the allegations of nosebleeding were false.

Both the ICPC and EFCC are investigating Mallam El-Rufai over alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as Kaduna State governor from 2015 to 2023.