The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has alleged that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, violated the conditions attached to a court-approved medical visit while in the commission’s custody.
The anti-corruption agency also announced the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, over allegations of making false statements during the course of its investigation.
The allegations were contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commission’s spokesperson and Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey.
According to the ICPC, the medical visit was approved in compliance with a court order and in line with its legal responsibility to protect the rights and welfare of individuals in its custody.
The commission disclosed that the Kaduna State High Court had earlier fixed July 6, 7 and 8, 2026, for the accelerated hearing of criminal charges against the former governor.
However, it claimed El-Rufai failed to appear before the court on the first day of the scheduled proceedings.
The ICPC said its prosecution team informed the court that officers assigned to transport El-Rufai from custody to the courtroom were unable to do so after he allegedly declined to accompany them.
According to the commission, the former governor insisted that he should first be allowed to consult his personal physician.
“The prosecution further informed the court that no prior request had been made to the Commission for such medical consultation and that, when asked by the Commission’s medical doctor, the defendant reportedly indicated that he had no immediate medical complaints but stated 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,” the statement read.
The commission explained that the trial court subsequently adjourned proceedings until July 15, 2026.
The adjournment, according to the ICPC, was to allow the court hear El-Rufai’s application seeking the recusal of the trial judge as well as 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 requested medical consultation in obedience to the court’s directive.
The ICPC stated that the medical visit took place on Tuesday at the private wing of the National Hospital in the Federal Capital Territory.
It maintained that its medical and security personnel acted professionally throughout the visit while respecting El-Rufai’s privacy.
According to the statement, commission officials remained outside the consultation room at the request of members of El-Rufai’s family while the attending oncologist carried out the medical examination.
However, the commission alleged that it later discovered photographs posted on Facebook by one of El-Rufai’s political associates, Isa Ashiru Kudan.
The images allegedly showed the former governor receiving several visitors, including Professor Bello Abubakar, during the period designated solely for 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 anti-graft agency argued that the development amounted to an abuse of the goodwill extended to El-Rufai while in custody.
According to the ICPC, it has consistently treated El-Rufai and other suspects under investigation with professionalism, patience and respect for their rights.
“The ICPC will bring to the attention of the courts the flagrant disobedience of court orders by the defendant. The professional and humane nature of the ICPC should not be taken for granted,” the commission added.
The agency further confirmed that Professor Bello Abubakar had been taken into custody.
“At this moment, Professor Bello Abubakar, El-Rufai’s personal physician, has been taken into custody for further investigation,” the statement said.
The commission reiterated its commitment to operating within the provisions of the law while warning that it would not tolerate any attempt to undermine its processes or abuse privileges granted during investigations.
It stressed that all individuals in its custody are expected to comply fully with court orders and conditions attached to any special privileges approved by the courts or the commission.
