The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Tuesday alleged that ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai violated the conditions of a court-approved medical visit while in the commission’s custody.
The panel also announced the arrest of Prof. Bello Abubakar, his personal physician, for allegedly making false statements.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson and Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, the commission stated that it permitted El-Rufai’s medical visit in accordance with a court order and its statutory commitment to preserve the rights and welfare of those in its care.
According to the ICPC, the Kaduna State High Court scheduled an accelerated hearing of criminal charges against the former governor on July 6, 7, and 8, 2026, but he did not show on the first day of proceedings.
According to the commission, the prosecution team informed the court that when officers arrived to transport El-Rufai to court, he refused to join them, preferring to consult his doctor.
“The prosecution further informed the court that no prior request had been made to the commission for such medical consultation and that, when asked by the commission’s medical doctor, the defendant reportedly indicated that he had no immediate medical complaints but stated that his wife, Aisha El-Rufai, who is also one of his legal counsel, had requested that he see his personal physician, Prof Bello Abubakar,” the statement said.
It stated that despite the adjournment, it approved the medical visit in line with the court’s directive.
“During the hospital visit on Tuesday, 7th July, 2026, at the private wing of the National Hospital, FCT, officers of the commission’s medical and security team conducted themselves professionally and respected the defendant’s privacy,” the statement said.
The commission also alleged that, at the request of El-Rufai’s family members, its officers remained outside the consultation room while the attending oncologist was said to be examining him.
However, the ICPC claimed that it later discovered photographs posted on Facebook by one of El-Rufai’s political associates, Isa Ashiru, showing the former governor with several visitors, including Prof. Abubakar, during the period designated for the medical consultation.
“The images and post by Isa Kudan indicated that the arranged medical visit was used 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 agency said it had managed El-Rufai and other suspects in its custody “with patience, professionalism and courtesy” but alleged that such goodwill had been abused.
“The ICPC will bring to the attention of the courts the flagrant disobedience of court orders by the defendant. The professional and humane nature of the ICPC should not be taken for granted,” it added.
The agency also announced that Prof. Abubakar had been arrested.
“At this moment, Prof Bello Abubakar, El-Rufai’s personal physician, has been taken into custody for further investigation.
“The ICPC reiterates its resolve to continue to operate within the ambit of the law at all times.
“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 statement said.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Kaduna State High Court deferred proceedings to await a decision from the state’s Chief Justice on an appeal to transfer El-Rufai’s case to another judge.
Justice Darius Khobo set July 15 as the hearing date for the defendant’s application after the defence requested that the court recuse itself from the case, citing a lack of faith in the judge’s ability to deliver justice.
The case, which had earlier been slated for accelerated hearing on July 6, 7 and 8, could not proceed after El-Rufai failed to appear in court.
Chief Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN), the lead prosecuting counsel, informed the court that the former governor declined to accompany operatives to court because he wanted to meet his own physician.
According to Adedipe, El-Rufai did not notify the commission of his intention to meet his doctor and did not complain of any ailment when inspected by the commission’s medical personnel.
“The defendant was examined by the commission’s doctor and indicated that he had no health complaints. “He only stated that he wanted to honour his wife’s request to see his personal doctor,” the prosecutor told the court.
