Fresh Twist: ICPC Explains Arrest Of El-Rufai’s Personal Doctor

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has alleged that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai violated the terms of a court-approved medical visit while in its custody.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The anti-graft agency also confirmed the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, over allegations that he made false statements during the course of its investigation.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson and Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, the ICPC said it approved El-Rufai’s hospital visit in compliance with a court directive and in keeping with its obligation to safeguard the welfare of individuals in its custody.

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 the former governor, but he failed to appear in court on the first day of proceedings.

The ICPC said its prosecution team informed the court that when officers arrived to escort El-Rufai to the courtroom, he declined and requested to see his personal physician instead.

The commission further stated that no prior request for a medical consultation had been submitted and claimed that when questioned by its medical officer, El-Rufai reportedly said he had no immediate health complaints but explained that his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his legal counsel, had asked him to consult his personal doctor, Professor Bello Abubakar.

The ICPC disclosed that the court subsequently adjourned the matter until July 15, 2026, to hear El-Rufai’s application seeking the recusal of the trial judge and to await the decision of the Chief Judge of Kaduna State on a petition requesting the transfer of the case.

Despite the adjournment, the commission said it approved the hospital visit.

According to the ICPC, its medical and security personnel conducted themselves professionally during the visit to the private wing of the National Hospital in Abuja and respected El-Rufai’s privacy by remaining outside the consultation room at the request of his family while an oncologist examined him.

However, the commission alleged that photographs later shared on Facebook by one of El-Rufai’s political associates, Isa Ashiru Kudan, showed the former governor receiving several visitors, including Professor Abubakar, during the period approved for the medical consultation.

The ICPC argued that the images suggested the visit was used for activities beyond the scope authorised by the court and the commission, describing the development as a breach of the court’s directive.

The anti-graft agency maintained that it had treated El-Rufai and other suspects in its custody with professionalism and respect but alleged that its goodwill had been abused.

It added that it would bring the alleged violation to the attention of the court.

The commission also confirmed that Professor Bello Abubakar is currently in custody as investigations continue.

The ICPC reiterated its commitment to operating within the law, warning that it would not tolerate any abuse of the privileges extended to persons in its custody.