By Seun Ibiyemi
Former presidential aide and social commentator, Reno Omokri has criticised appeals for sympathy over former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufa’i’s reported nosebleed while in detention, describing it as a minor issue compared to alleged human rights abuses under his administration.
This was disclosed in a statement posted on it X handle formerly known as Twitter
Omokri highlighted the case of Dadiyata, a man reportedly abducted from his home in August 2019 during el-Rufa’i’s tenure, who has not been seen since.
He noted that while el-Rufa’i has access to food, lawyers, and medical care in detention, families like Dadiyata’s have endured years of trauma and uncertainty.
He also referenced other alleged victims under el-Rufa’i, including journalists and public figures who suffered from illnesses such as hypertension and malaria, or sustained injuries in detention, yet were not released.
“A nosebleed is not a serious medical condition that should warrant release,” Omokri said, citing cases like Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, who was reportedly beaten and injured in detention under el-Rufa’i.
Omokri called for el-Rufa’i to be held accountable, particularly in relation to the Dadiyata case, urging that he remain in detention until he discloses the whereabouts of the missing man.
He also accused the former governor of allegedly looting ₦432 billion from Kaduna State coffers, emphasizing that such financial mismanagement is far more serious than a minor health complaint.
He concluded that el-Rufa’i should remain in custody until bail is secured and face renewed arrest if he fails to cooperate with investigations into past alleged abuses.
The statement adds to the ongoing national debate over el-Rufa’i’s detention, political accountability, and unresolved human rights issues from his tenure.
