ICPC Confirms Arrest Of El-Rufai’s Doctor, Gives Reason

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has accused former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, of violating the conditions of a court-approved medical visit while in its custody.

NEWSNGR reports that the commission also announced the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, for allegedly making false statements.

In a statement on Tuesday by its spokesperson and Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, the ICPC said it facilitated El-Rufai’s medical visit in line with a court directive and its obligation to respect the welfare of persons in its custody.

The commission said the Kaduna State High Court had fixed July 6, 7 and 8, 2026, for an accelerated hearing of criminal charges against El-Rufai, but he failed to appear on the first day.

According to the ICPC, its prosecution team informed the court that when officers arrived to take the former governor to court, he declined to follow them and insisted on seeing his personal 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, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his legal counsel, had requested that he see his personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar,” the statement said.

The commission added that the court later adjourned the matter till July 15, 2026, to hear El-Rufai’s application seeking the trial judge’s recusal and to await the decision of the Chief Judge of Kaduna State on a petition seeking transfer of the case.

The ICPC said it approved the medical visit despite the adjournment.

“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,” it said.

The commission said its officers remained outside the consultation room at the request of El-Rufai’s family while an oncologist reportedly examined him.

However, it alleged that photographs later posted on Facebook by one of El-Rufai’s political associates, Isa Ashiru Kudan, showed the former governor with several visitors, including Abubakar, during the period scheduled for the 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 stated.

The anti-graft agency said it had treated El-Rufai and other suspects in its custody with “patience, professionalism and courtesy,” but alleged that its 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.

“At this moment, Professor Bello Abubakar, El-Rufai’s personal physician, has been taken into custody for further investigation,” the statement said.

The commission said it remained committed to operating within the law, warning that it “will not tolerate, under any guise, the abuse of its goodwill by anybody or group of persons.”