The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has alleged that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, violated the terms of a court-approved medical visit while in the agency’s custody, leading to the arrest of his personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the Commission’s spokesperson and Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, the anti-corruption agency said the hospital visit was approved in line with a court directive and its responsibility to safeguard the rights and welfare of individuals in custody.
According to the ICPC, the Kaduna State High Court had scheduled July 6, 7 and 8, 2026, for the accelerated hearing of criminal charges filed against the former governor. However, El-Rufai did not appear in court on the opening day of the proceedings.
The Commission stated that its prosecution team informed the court that officials assigned to escort El-Rufai to the hearing were unable to do so after he requested to see his personal physician instead.
The agency further claimed that no formal request for a medical consultation had been submitted before the scheduled court appearance. It also alleged that when its medical officer questioned El-Rufai, he reportedly said he had no immediate health complaints but explained that his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his legal representatives, wanted him to consult Professor Bello Abubakar.
Following arguments from both legal teams, the court adjourned the matter until July 15, 2026. The adjournment will allow the court to hear El-Rufai’s application seeking the trial judge’s recusal and await the decision of the Chief Judge of Kaduna State on a petition requesting the transfer of the case.
Despite the pending proceedings, the ICPC said it approved the hospital visit under security supervision in compliance with the court’s directive.
According to the Commission, officers attached to its medical and security units accompanied El-Rufai to the private wing of the National Hospital in Abuja on Tuesday and remained outside the consultation room at the request of his family to respect his privacy during the medical examination.
However, the ICPC alleged that photographs later shared on Facebook by Isa Ashiru Kudan, described as one of El-Rufai’s political associates, showed the former governor meeting with several individuals, including Professor Bello Abubakar, during the period designated for medical consultation.
The Commission argued that the images suggested the hospital visit was used for purposes beyond the medical treatment approved by the court, describing the development as a breach of the conditions attached to the visit.
The ICPC said it intends to draw the court’s attention to what it described as a violation of the court’s directive, adding that the Commission’s professional and humane approach to handling suspects in its custody should not be exploited.
The agency also confirmed that Professor Bello Abubakar has been taken into custody for further investigation, alleging that he made false statements in connection with the hospital visit.
Reaffirming its commitment to due process, the ICPC stated that it would continue to operate within the provisions of the law while ensuring that its goodwill and compliance with court orders are not abused by any individual or group.
