The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has accused former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam ...
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 of a court-approved medical visit and announced the arrest of his personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, over alleged false statements.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commission said El-Rufai, who is currently in its custody, was granted permission to receive medical attention in compliance with a Kaduna State High Court order and its obligation to safeguard the welfare of persons in custody.
According to the ICPC, the Kaduna State High Court had fixed July 6, 7 and 8, 2026, for the accelerated hearing of criminal charges against the former governor. However, the Commission said El-Rufai failed to appear in court on the first day of the hearing.
The Commission stated that when its officers prepared to transport him to court, El-Rufai declined, insisting that he wanted to consult his personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar.
The ICPC further claimed that no prior request for the consultation had been made and that when questioned by the Commission's medical doctor, El-Rufai reportedly said he had no immediate medical complaint but explained that his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his lawyers, had requested that he see his personal doctor.
The Commission said the trial court subsequently adjourned proceedings until July 15, 2026, to hear the defendant's application seeking the trial judge's recusal and to await the decision of the Chief Judge of Kaduna State on a pending petition seeking the transfer of the case.
The ICPC said it nevertheless facilitated the medical visit under security arrangements at the private wing of the National Hospital in the Federal Capital Territory on Tuesday.
According to the Commission, its medical and security personnel remained outside the consultation room at the request of El-Rufai's family to allow the attending oncologist to examine him privately.
However, the Commission alleged that photographs later posted on Facebook by one of El-Rufai's political associates, Isa Ashiru Kudan, showed the former governor meeting with political associates, including Professor Bello Abubakar, during the period designated for the medical consultation.
The ICPC said the photographs indicated that the medical visit "was utilised for activities outside the scope contemplated by the court and the ICPC," describing the development as a "clear violation" of the court order.
The anti-corruption agency said it would bring what it described as the defendant's "flagrant disobedience" of the court's directive to the attention of the court.
It also announced that Professor Bello Abubakar had been arrested and taken into custody for further investigation over alleged false statements.
"The professional and humane nature of the ICPC should not be taken for granted," the Commission stated, adding that it would no longer tolerate what it described as the abuse of its goodwill.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to operating within the law and pledged not to condone any abuse of court-approved privileges by individuals in its custody.
As of the time of filing this report, neither El-Rufai nor his legal team had publicly responded to the allegations contained in the ICPC statement.
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