ICPC Nabs El-Rufai's Doctor, Alleges Ex-Governor Misused Court Medical Pass

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has leveled accusations against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, for allegedly misusing a court-sanctioned medical appointment while under the agency's custody. The anti-graft body described this incident as a direct defiance of a judicial directive. Furthermore, the ICPC confirmed the apprehension of Professor Bello Abubakar, identified as El-Rufai's personal physician, on suspicion of providing misleading information. In a statement released on Tuesday and acquired by SaharaReporters, the Commission pledged to bring the alleged infraction before the judiciary.

Details from the Commission's statement reveal that the Kaduna State High Court had scheduled an expedited hearing for the criminal charges against El-Rufai for July 6, 7, and 8, 2026. However, on the initial day of the proceedings, the former governor was notably absent. The prosecution informed the court that El-Rufai declined to be transported from ICPC custody to the courtroom, insisting he needed to consult his private doctor before participating. The ICPC emphasized that no prior application for such a medical consultation had been submitted to the agency.

When questioned by the ICPC's medical professional about his health status, El-Rufai reportedly stated he had no immediate health issues. He clarified, however, that his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who also serves as one of his legal representatives, had asked him to see his personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar. Following legal arguments from both sides, the Kaduna State High Court postponed the hearing until July 15, 2026. This adjournment was to address El-Rufai's application seeking the trial judge's recusal and to await instructions from the Chief Judge of Kaduna State concerning a pending petition for the case's transfer.

Despite the adjournment, the ICPC affirmed its full compliance with the court's directives. In upholding its statutory duty to respect the rights, dignity, and well-being of individuals in its custody, the Commission granted El-Rufai's request for medical attention, ensuring appropriate security arrangements were in place. The ICPC recounted that during the hospital visit on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the private wing of the National Hospital Abuja, its medical and security personnel maintained professionalism and respected El-Rufai's privacy. At the behest of El-Rufai's family members, ICPC officers remained outside the consultation room while the attending oncologist was supposedly examining the former governor.

However, the Commission later discovered photographs posted on Facebook around 2:00 p.m. Nigerian time by Isa Ashiru Kudan, a political associate of El-Rufai. Kudan's Facebook post claimed they had "just concluded a meeting" with El-Rufai. The ICPC noted that these photographs depicted Professor Bello Abubakar, Isa Ashiru Kudan, and three other individuals alongside El-Rufai, precisely during the period he was meant to be 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 declared.

The ICPC stated that it has consistently handled El-Rufai, along with other suspects and defendants in its custody, with patience, professionalism, and courtesy. Nevertheless, it lamented that such professional courtesies have been exploited. "However, it has become very clear that these professional courtesies have been abused and will therefore no longer be tolerated," the ICPC asserted.

The Commission further announced its intention to formally draw the court's attention to the defendant's "flagrant disobedience" of the judicial order. "The professional and humane nature of the ICPC should not be taken for granted," the Commission added.

The anti-graft agency also revealed that Professor Bello Abubakar has been apprehended due to allegations of 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 confirmed.

Reaffirming its dedication to due process, the ICPC affirmed its commitment to operating strictly within legal boundaries. "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 anti-corruption body concluded.