Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has arrested Professor Bello Abubakar, the personal physician of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations that a court-approved medical visit was used for activities outside the scope authorised by the court . The development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing legal battle between the anti-graft agency and the former governor, who is currently facing criminal charges before the Kaduna State High Court.
According to the ICPC, the Kaduna State High Court had fixed July 6, 7, and 8, 2026, for an accelerated hearing of the criminal charges against El-Rufai . However, on the first day of proceedings, the former governor failed to appear. The commission stated that its prosecution team informed the court that when officers arrived to convey El-Rufai to court, he declined to accompany them, insisting on seeing his personal physician . The ICPC further told the court that no prior request had been made for such a medical consultation and that, when questioned by the commission's medical doctor, El-Rufai reportedly indicated he had no immediate medical complaints but stated that his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his legal counsel, had requested the visit .
The court subsequently adjourned proceedings until July 15, 2026, to hear El-Rufai's application seeking the recusal of the trial judge and to await the directive of the Kaduna State Chief Judge on a pending petition for the transfer of the case . Despite the adjournment, the ICPC said it honoured the court's directive by facilitating the hospital visit at the private wing of the National Hospital in Abuja on Tuesday under appropriate security arrangements . The commission stated that its medical and security personnel remained outside the consultation room at the request of El-Rufai's family to ensure privacy while he was purportedly examined by an oncologist .
However, the ICPC alleged that it later discovered photographs posted on Facebook by El-Rufai's political associate, Isa Ashiru Kudan, showing the former governor with several visitors, including Professor Abubakar, during the period set aside for the medical consultation . The commission said the images indicated that the arranged medical visit was utilised for activities outside the scope contemplated by the court, describing it as a "clear violation of the court order" . The ICPC also accused Professor Abubakar of making false statements and announced that he had been taken into custody for further investigation .
The commission said it had been "very patient, professional and courteous" in managing El-Rufai and other suspects in its custody but had concluded that these professional courtesies had been abused . It vowed to bring the matter to the attention of the courts, adding: "The professional and humane nature of the ICPC should not be taken for granted" . The commission reiterated its commitment to operating within the law while warning it would not tolerate what it described as the abuse of its goodwill by any individual or group .
The African Democratic Congress, however, has offered a sharply different account of events, accusing the ICPC of denying El-Rufai adequate medical care and violating his rights . The party claimed that hospital doctors recommended El-Rufai be admitted, but ICPC officials rejected the advice and insisted on returning him to custody, leading to a confrontation during which his wife was allegedly assaulted and his doctor arrested . The ADC has demanded that El-Rufai be granted immediate access to his family, legal team, and personal doctors .
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