ICPC detains El-Rufai’s doctor over alleged violation of medical visit order

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has accused the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai of flouting a court-mandated visit to a hospital, calling it an outright violation of the court’s order.

The Commission further stated that it has arrested Professor Bello Abubakar, the personal physician of El-Rufai, for alleged false declaration relating to the matter.

This has been revealed in a statement released by the Commission on Tuesday.

According to the statement by the Commission, the Kaduna State High Court had set the date of July 6, 7, and 8, 2026, for the accelerated hearing of criminal charges against the former Governor.

However, on the first day of the hearing, it is reported that El-Rufai did not show up in court.

The ICPC said in its statement that the prosecution team of the Commission told the court that when they attempted to move the former governor from the custody of the Commission to attend the hearing, he refused, saying he needed to see his personal physician before proceeding to the court.

It was also revealed that when asked by the Commission’s medical officer, El-Rufai claimed that while he did not have any current medical conditions, he needed to go see his doctor because his wife and one of his lawyers, Asia El-Rufai, told him to do so.

After hearing the case from both sides, the High Court of Kaduna State adjourned the proceedings until July 15, 2026, for consideration of the application for recusal by El-Rufai and to give time to decide the petition filed to transfer the case by the Chief Judge of the state.

The ICPC said that despite the adjournment, it granted El-Rufai’s application to see his doctor as directed by the court and in an environment secured for the purpose.

As per the statement issued by the Commission, the visit occurred in the private ward of the National Hospital in Abuja on Tuesday, July 7, where the officers of the commission kept themselves out of the consultation room as asked by the family of El-Rufai.

However, according to the Commission, there were photographs published on the Facebook page of El-Rufai’s political friend, Isa Ashiru Kudan, suggesting that a meeting had occurred between El-Rufai and some people during what was purportedly his medical checkup

According to the ICPC, the photographs depicted the presence of Professor Bello Abubakar, Isa Ashiru Kudan and three other people alongside El-Rufai at the hospital.

“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 said it had exercised patience and professionalism in handling El-Rufai and other suspects in its custody but insisted that its goodwill had been abused.

It vowed to bring the alleged violation to the attention of the court.

“The professional and humane nature of the ICPC should not be taken for granted,” the statement added.

The Commission further disclosed that Professor Bello Abubakar had been taken into custody as investigations continue.

Reaffirming its commitment to due process, the ICPC said it would continue to operate within the law while warning that it would no longer tolerate any abuse of its goodwill by individuals or groups.