The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has accused former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, of abusing a court-approved medical visit while in the Commission’s custody, describing the incident as a clear violation of a court order.
The Commission also announced that El-Rufai’s personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, has been arrested and taken into custody for allegedly making false statements, as the anti-corruption agency vowed to bring the alleged breach before the court.
This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the ICPC, obtained by SaharaReporters.
According to the Commission, the Kaduna State High Court had fixed July 6, 7, and 8, 2026, for the accelerated hearing of the criminal charges pending against El-Rufai. However, on the first day of the hearing, the former governor did not appear before the court.
The prosecution informed the court that when ICPC officers prepared to convey El-Rufai from custody to the courtroom, he declined to accompany them, insisting that he wanted to consult his personal physician before attending the proceedings.
The Commission stated that the prosecution further informed the court that no prior request had been made to the ICPC for such a medical consultation.
According to the statement, when El-Rufai was questioned by the Commission’s medical doctor regarding his health condition, he reportedly stated that he had no immediate medical complaints but explained that his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his legal counsel, had requested that he see his personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar.
Following arguments by both parties, the Kaduna State High Court adjourned the matter until July 15, 2026, to hear El-Rufai’s application seeking the recusal of the trial judge and to await the directive of the Chief Judge of Kaduna State on a pending petition requesting the transfer of the case.
Despite the adjournment, the ICPC said it fully complied with the court’s directives and, in line with its statutory responsibility to respect the rights, dignity and welfare of persons in its custody, approved El-Rufai’s request to receive medical attention under appropriate security arrangements.
The Commission said that during the hospital visit on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the private wing of the National Hospital Abuja, its medical and security personnel conducted themselves professionally and respected El-Rufai’s privacy.
According to the agency, at the request of members of El-Rufai’s family, ICPC officers remained outside the consultation room while the attending oncologist was purportedly examining the former governor.
However, the Commission said it was later confronted with photographs posted on Facebook at about 2:00 p.m. Nigerian time by one of El-Rufai’s political associates, Isa Ashiru Kudan.
According to the ICPC, Isa Ashiru Kudan stated in the Facebook post that they had “just concluded a meeting” with El-Rufai.
The Commission said the photographs showed Professor Bello Abubakar, Isa Ashiru Kudan and three other individuals with El-Rufai at a time when he was supposedly undergoing a medical consultation.
“The images and post by Isa Kudan indicated that 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 stated.
The ICPC said it had remained patient, professional and courteous in the management of El-Rufai and other suspects and defendants in its custody, but lamented that such professional courtesies had been abused.
“However, it has become very clear that these professional courtesies have been abused and will therefore no longer be tolerated,” ICPC said.
The Commission added that it would formally draw the attention of the court to the defendant’s “flagrant disobedience” of the court’s order.
“The professional and humane nature of the ICPC should not be taken for granted,” the Commission added.
The anti-graft agency further disclosed that Professor Bello Abubakar has been arrested for allegedly making false statements during the incident.
“At this moment, Professor Bello Abubakar, El-Rufai’s personal physician, has been taken into custody for further investigation,” the Commission said.
Reaffirming its commitment to due process, the ICPC said it would continue to operate strictly within the confines of the law.
“The Commission also wants to make it categorically clear that it will not tolerate, under any guise, the abuse of its goodwill by anybody or group of persons,” the Commission added.
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