The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has accused former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, of violating the conditions attached to a court-approved medical visit while in its custody, describing the development as an abuse of the professional courtesy extended to him by the anti-corruption agency. The Commission also confirmed that El-Rufai's personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, has been arrested for allegedly making false statements and is currently under investigation.
According to an official statement issued by the ICPC, the Kaduna State High Court had scheduled July 6, 7, and 8, 2026, for the accelerated hearing of the criminal charges pending against the former governor. However, on the opening day of the proceedings, El-Rufai failed to appear before the court.
The Commission explained that its prosecution team informed the court that when officers arrived to escort the former governor to the courtroom, he declined to accompany them, insisting instead that he wished to consult his personal physician. The prosecution further stated that no prior request had been submitted to the Commission seeking approval for such a medical consultation.
According to the ICPC, its in-house medical personnel also questioned El-Rufai about his health status, during which he reportedly stated that he had no immediate medical complaints. The Commission alleged that El-Rufai explained the visit was at the request of his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his legal counsel, and that she wanted him examined by his personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar.
Following submissions by both prosecution and defence counsel, the Kaduna State High Court adjourned proceedings until July 15, 2026. The adjournment will allow the court to hear El-Rufai's application seeking the trial judge's recusal while also awaiting the directive of the Chief Judge of Kaduna State on a pending petition requesting the transfer of the case to another judge.
Despite the adjournment, the ICPC stated that it complied fully with the court's directive and its statutory responsibility to safeguard the rights, dignity and welfare of persons in its custody by facilitating the requested medical visit under appropriate security arrangements.
The Commission disclosed that on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, El-Rufai was taken to the private wing of the National Hospital in Abuja, where officers attached to its medical and security teams conducted themselves professionally and respected his privacy. At the request of his family members, the officers reportedly remained outside the consultation room while Professor Bello Abubakar, described as the attending oncologist, carried out the examination.
However, the ICPC said it later discovered Facebook photographs posted around 2:00 p.m. Nigerian time by one of El-Rufai's political associates, Isa Ashiru Kudan. According to the Commission, the social media post stated that they had just concluded a meeting with the former governor and included photographs showing El-Rufai alongside Professor Bello Abubakar, Isa Ashiru Kudan and three other individuals inside the consultation area during the period designated for the medical examination.
The anti-graft agency argued that the photographs suggested the medical appointment had been used for activities outside the scope of the court-approved medical visit and the arrangements made by the Commission. Consequently, the ICPC described the development as a clear violation of the court order governing the hospital visit.
The Commission stressed that it has consistently managed El-Rufai and other suspects in its custody with patience, professionalism and respect for their legal rights. However, it maintained that the courtesies extended to the former governor had allegedly been abused and warned that such conduct would no longer be tolerated.
The ICPC further announced that it intends to formally bring the alleged violation of the court order to the attention of the courts, insisting that its professional and humane approach should not be taken for granted by any suspect or defendant in its custody.
In a further development, the Commission confirmed that Professor Bello Abubakar has been taken into custody for further investigation over allegations of making false statements in connection with the medical visit. The ICPC emphasized that the investigation would proceed in accordance with the law and due process.
Reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law, the ICPC stated that it will continue to operate strictly within its statutory mandate while ensuring that the rights of persons in custody are respected. At the same time, the Commission warned that it would not tolerate any attempt by individuals or groups to exploit its goodwill or undermine court-approved arrangements under any guise.
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