ICPC Alleges El-Rufai Violated Court-Approved Medical Visit, Arrests Personal Physician
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has accused former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, of violating the terms of a court-approved medical visit, alleging that the opportunity was used for political meetings rather than the medical consultation authorised by the court.
The Commission also announced the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, for allegedly making false statements in connection with the medical visit.
In a statement issued by the Commission’s Spokesperson and Head of Media and Public Communications, Mr. J. Okor Odey, the ICPC expressed concern over what it described as the abuse of its professional courtesies and the breach of a court order governing the former governor’s temporary release for medical attention.
According to the Commission, the Kaduna State High Court had scheduled July 6, 7 and 8, 2026, for the accelerated hearing of criminal charges against El-Rufai. However, proceedings could not commence as planned after the former governor failed to appear in court on the opening day.
The prosecution informed the court that when ICPC officials prepared to convey El-Rufai from custody to the courtroom, he declined to accompany them, insisting that he wanted to consult his personal doctor instead.
The Commission said no prior request had been made for such a medical consultation. It added that when its in-house medical doctor examined the former governor, he reportedly stated that he had no immediate medical complaints but explained that his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his lawyers, had requested that he consult his personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar.
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Following arguments by counsel, the trial court adjourned proceedings until July 15, 2026, to hear El-Rufai’s application seeking the recusal of the trial judge and to await the decision of the Kaduna State Chief Judge on a pending petition requesting the transfer of the case.
The ICPC said that despite the adjournment, it complied fully with the court’s directive by facilitating the defendant’s visit to the private wing of the National Hospital, Abuja, under appropriate security arrangements.
According to the Commission, its medical and security personnel conducted themselves professionally and respected El-Rufai’s privacy by remaining outside the consultation room at the request of his family while the attending oncologist was purportedly examining him.
However, the Commission said its officers later discovered Facebook photographs posted at about 2:00 p.m. by one of El-Rufai’s political associates, Isa Ashiru Kudan, showing that a meeting had taken place with the former governor during the period designated for the medical consultation.
The photographs reportedly showed El-Rufai alongside Professor Bello Abubakar, Isa Ashiru Kudan and three other individuals.
The ICPC alleged that the images indicated the court-approved medical visit had been used for activities outside the purpose for which it was granted.
“The arranged medical visit was utilised for activities outside the scope contemplated by the court and the ICPC. This is a clear violation of the court order,” the Commission said.
The anti-corruption agency stressed that it had handled El-Rufai and other suspects in its custody with professionalism, patience and respect for their rights, but warned that such goodwill would no longer be taken for granted.
It said it would formally bring the alleged violation of the court order to the attention of the court.
The Commission further disclosed that Professor Bello Abubakar had been taken into custody for further investigation over alleged false statements relating to the medical visit.
Reaffirming its commitment to due process, the ICPC said it would continue to operate strictly within the confines of the law while ensuring that its goodwill and professional conduct are not abused by any individual or group.
By PRNigeria
