The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has accused former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, of violating the conditions attached to a court-approved medical visit while in its custody.
The commission also announced the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, over allegations of making false statements during the course of its investigation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the ICPC’s spokesperson and Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, the commission said it approved the medical visit in compliance with a court order and in line with its responsibility to protect the rights and welfare of individuals in its custody.
According to the commission, the Kaduna State High Court had scheduled July 6, 7 and 8, 2026, for the accelerated hearing of criminal charges against the former governor. However, El-Rufai reportedly failed to appear in court on the first day of the proceedings.
The ICPC said its prosecution team informed the court that when officials arrived to escort El-Rufai to court, he declined to accompany them, insisting on seeing his personal doctor.
“The prosecution informed the court that no prior request had been made to the Commission for such medical consultation.
When questioned by the Commission’s medical doctor, the defendant reportedly stated that he had no immediate medical complaints but said his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his legal counsel, requested that he consult his personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar,” the statement read.
The anti-corruption agency noted that the trial was subsequently adjourned until July 15, 2026, to allow the court hear El-Rufai’s application seeking the recusal of the trial judge, while also awaiting 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 approved the medical visit and ensured that its medical and security personnel conducted themselves professionally during the hospital visit at the private wing of the National Hospital in Abuja.
According to the ICPC, its officers remained outside the consultation room at the request of El-Rufai’s family while the attending oncologist examined him.
However, the commission alleged that photographs later shared on Facebook by El-Rufai’s political associate, Isa Ashiru Kudan, showed the former governor receiving several visitors, including Professor Abubakar, during the period approved solely for medical consultation.
“The images and post indicated that the medical visit was used for activities outside the scope contemplated by the court and the Commission. This is a clear violation of the court order,” the ICPC stated.
The commission said it had consistently treated El-Rufai and other suspects in its custody with professionalism, patience 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 Commission should not be taken for granted,” the statement added.
The agency further disclosed that Professor Bello Abubakar had been taken into custody.
“At this moment, Professor Bello Abubakar, El-Rufai’s personal physician, has been taken into custody for further investigation,” the commission said.
The ICPC reaffirmed its commitment to operating within the law, stressing that it would not tolerate any abuse of its goodwill or disregard for court orders.
