A media aide to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission of failing to provide medical care after the former governor reportedly complained of worsening eye problems while in custody.

In a statement issued on Friday, the aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, said el-Rufai developed swollen, red, and itchy eyes during detention and repeatedly requested medical attention.

“Two ICPC officials checked and saw the condition of his eyes. This was expected step to prompt either a hospital check or that a doctor would be summoned to attend to him,” the statement said.

Adekeye alleged that despite the observation by officials, no medical intervention followed. He further claimed that a staff member informed a family member that el-Rufai had declined medical care, a claim he said was inaccurate.

“However, no medical attention was arranged. Rather one Henry, believed to have been seconded to the ICPC from another agency, falsely informed a family member that El Rufai did not wish to see a doctor,” the statement added.

According to him, family members who visited the former governor also raised concern over his condition and sought urgent medical attention. He said the situation appeared to worsen after an earlier visit to an eye clinic on June 4.

“The wives who visited him today found him in great discomfort and were alarmed by the condition of his eyes,” Adekeye said.

The aide also referenced what he described as a court order granting el-Rufai access to medical care and his personal doctors while in detention, insisting that the directive had not been fully implemented.

 “The ICPC persists in treating him as if he is without rights and is undeserving of a duty of care while in their custody,” he said.

He urged the commission to comply with the court order and ensure access to appropriate medical treatment.

“No agency of the government is allowed to be indifferent to the medical condition of a person in their custody,” he added.

As of the time of filing this report, the ICPC had not issued a response to the allegations.