The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has accused former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, of abusing the privilege of a court-approved medical visit, alleging that the exercise was used for unauthorised meetings in violation of a court order.
The Commission also announced the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, for allegedly making false statements in connection with the medical consultation. The professor has been taken into custody for further investigation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ICPC expressed concern over developments surrounding the medical visit granted to El-Rufai, who is currently in the Commission’s custody while facing criminal charges before the Kaduna State High Court.
According to the Commission, the High Court had fixed July 6, 7 and 8, 2026, for an accelerated hearing of the case. However, proceedings on the first day were stalled after El-Rufai failed to appear in court.
The prosecution informed the court that when officers arrived to convey the former governor to the courtroom, he declined to accompany them, insisting on consulting his personal physician.
The ICPC stated that no prior request for the medical consultation had been submitted to the Commission. It further claimed that when questioned by its medical personnel, El-Rufai reportedly said he had no immediate medical complaints but explained that his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his defence counsel, had requested that he see his personal doctor, Professor Bello Abubakar.
Following submissions by both parties, the trial court adjourned proceedings until July 15, 2026, to hear El-Rufai’s application seeking the recusal of the trial judge and to 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 complied fully with the court’s directive and its statutory obligation to protect the rights and welfare of persons in custody by facilitating the medical visit under strict security arrangements.
The ICPC explained that during the visit to the private wing of the National Hospital in Abuja on July 7, its medical and security personnel remained outside the consultation room at the request of El-Rufai’s family to ensure privacy while the oncologist attended to him.
However, the Commission alleged that the medical visit was subsequently used for purposes beyond the court’s approval after photographs emerged on Facebook showing El-Rufai in the company of his political associate, Isa Ashiru Kudan, Professor Bello Abubakar and three other individuals.
According to the ICPC, the images, posted at about 2:00 p.m. by Kudan, indicated that the group had just concluded a meeting with the former governor while he was expected to be undergoing medical consultation.
The Commission described the development as a clear violation of the court-approved arrangement, maintaining that the medical visit was intended solely for healthcare purposes and not political or personal engagements.
The anti-corruption agency said it would formally bring the alleged breach to the attention of the court, accusing the defendant of flagrant disobedience of judicial orders.
“The professional and humane disposition of the Commission should not be taken for granted,” the ICPC said, warning that it would no longer tolerate any abuse of the courtesies extended to suspects and defendants in its custody.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to operating within the ambit of the law while insisting that its goodwill and professionalism would not be exploited under any circumstance.
El-Rufai is currently standing trial on criminal charges before the Kaduna State High Court. The allegations contained in the ICPC statement represent the Commission’s position, and the matters remain subject to judicial determination.
