DSS Brought Russian Doctor To Examine El-Rufai Without Family’s Consent — Timi Frank
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has raised 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 issued on Friday, Frank alleged that a Russian doctor was brought in on Thursday night to examine El-Rufai without the consent of his family.
He questioned the reason behind the late-night medical examination, claiming it was carried out against the wishes of the former governor.
According to Frank, El-Rufai appeared healthy during his last appearance before the Federal High Court, Abuja, making the DSS’s alleged action suspicious.
“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 stated.
He further queried, “If Mallam El-Rufai is truly ill, why bring in a foreign doctor at that time of the night?”
Frank also appealed to northern leaders and stakeholders not to remain silent over the former governor’s situation.
“I pray that northern elders and youths will not sit back and watch anything untoward happen to Mallam El-Rufai,” he said.
The former APC spokesman called on the Nigerian Bar Association, religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and the international community to demand El-Rufai’s immediate release to enable him prepare adequately for his defence.
Recall that El-Rufai was granted N100 million bail by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, over allegations bordering on national security breaches.
However, despite being granted bail, the former governor was returned to DSS custody pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.
The family of El-Rufai had earlier expressed concern over his continued detention.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
