Asiya El-Rufai, wife of the former Kaduna State Governor, has warned that the alleged “weaponisation” of healthcare in connection with her husband’s prosecution risks intimidating medical professionals and exacerbating Nigeria’s “brain drain” crisis.
Mrs El-Rufai, a lawyer, made the remarks during an interview on ARISE NEWS while reacting to the arrest of her husband’s personal physician, Bello Abubakar. She argued that the implications of the arrest extend beyond her husband’s ongoing trial, creating a dangerous precedent that could discourage doctors from exercising independent medical judgment.
According to Mrs El-Rufai, physicians should be free to provide care without fear of harassment or intimidation. She warned that such actions could accelerate the exodus of Nigerian health workers seeking better working conditions abroad.
She further stated that although her husband suffers from glaucoma and has received treatment at various clinics, authorities allegedly refused to allow him to consult Mr Abubakar, who has managed his healthcare for decades, dating back to his tenure as Director-General of the former Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).
The hospital visit
