JUST IN: ICPC arrests El-Rufai's doctor, alleges abuse of court-approved medical visit

Crime Diary

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has arrested Professor Bello Abubakar, personal physician to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged false statements made in connection with a court-approved medical visit.

ICPC, in a statement issued on Tuesday, signed by J. Okor Odey, its Spokesperson/Head, Media and Public Communications, the commission also accused El-Rufai of violating the conditions attached to the medical visit granted while he remains in its custody.

According to the ICPC, the Kaduna State High Court had fixed July 6, 7 and 8, 2026, for the accelerated hearing of criminal charges against the former governor.

The commission said El-Rufai did not appear in court on the first day of proceedings after declining to leave custody, insisting that he wanted to consult his personal physician.

The ICPC told the court that no prior request had been made for the consultation and alleged that its medical officer found that El-Rufai had not reported any immediate medical complaint, but said his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his legal counsel, had requested that he be allowed to see Professor Abubakar.

Following arguments by counsel, the trial court adjourned proceedings until July 15 to hear El-Rufai’s application seeking the judge’s recusal and to await the decision of the Chief Judge of Kaduna State on a pending application for the transfer of the case.

The anti-corruption agency said it nevertheless approved the medical visit in compliance with the court’s directive and under appropriate security arrangements.

According to the commission, officers remained outside the consultation room at the private wing of the National Hospital in Abuja at the request of El-Rufai’s family while the consultation was taking place.

However, the ICPC alleged that photographs later posted on Facebook by one of El-Rufai’s political associates, Isa Ashiru Kudan, showed several individuals, including Professor Abubakar, meeting with the former governor during the hospital visit.

The commission claimed the images suggested that the medical appointment was used for activities beyond the purpose approved by the court and described the development as a violation of the court’s order.

“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 statement said.

The commission said it would bring the alleged breach to the attention of the court and warned that it would no longer tolerate what it described as abuse of the professional courtesies extended to suspects in its custody.

It also confirmed that Professor Abubakar had been taken into custody for further investigation over alleged false statements.

The ICPC reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out its duties within the law and said anyone found to have abused its goodwill or obstructed the administration of justice would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

As of the time of filing this report, neither El-Rufai, Professor Abubakar, nor their legal representatives had publicly responded to the allegations made by the ICPC.