ICPC Alleges El-Rufai Violated Court-Approved Medical Visit, Arrests Personal Physician

 

By News Beacon

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

The anti-corruption agency also confirmed that El-Rufai's personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, has been taken into custody for questioning over allegations that he made false statements during the course of the investigation.

The development marks another chapter in the ongoing legal proceedings involving the former governor, whose prosecution has generated significant national attention in recent months.

According to a statement issued by ICPC spokesperson John Odey, the commission authorised El-Rufai's visit to the private wing of the National Hospital Abuja after receiving a court directive requiring it to facilitate his access to medical care while in custody.

The commission stated that the approval reflected both its legal obligations and its commitment to protecting the welfare of individuals held in its custody.

ICPC maintained that officers assigned to accompany the former governor respected his privacy throughout the hospital visit, with security personnel reportedly remaining outside the consultation room at the request of members of his family while he was examined by an oncologist.

The commission disclosed that the Kaduna State High Court had scheduled accelerated hearings for July 6, 7 and 8, 2026, in the criminal case involving El-Rufai.

However, prosecutors informed the court that the former governor did not appear on the opening day of proceedings.

According to ICPC, officers assigned to transport him to court said El-Rufai insisted on seeing his personal doctor before attending the hearing.

The commission further alleged that no advance request had been submitted for such a consultation. It added that its own medical personnel found no immediate complaints requiring urgent treatment, while El-Rufai reportedly indicated that the consultation had been requested by his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also a member of his legal team.

Following the proceedings, the court adjourned the matter until July 15, when it is expected to consider El-Rufai's application seeking the trial judge's recusal as well as a petition requesting that the case be reassigned.

The ICPC said concerns emerged after photographs circulated on social media showing El-Rufai receiving multiple visitors during the period allocated for his medical appointment.

According to the commission, the images were posted by Isa Ashiru Kudan, identified as one of the former governor's political associates.

The anti-graft agency argued that the gathering appeared to extend beyond the medical consultation authorised by the court and the commission.

ICPC described the alleged conduct as inconsistent with the purpose for which permission had been granted and said it intends to bring the matter before the court.

The commission stressed that while it has consistently treated detainees professionally and humanely, such cooperation should not be exploited.

In addition to its allegations against El-Rufai, the ICPC announced that Professor Bello Abubakar has been arrested for further investigation.

The commission said the physician is being questioned over alleged false statements connected to the matter but did not immediately provide further details regarding the specific allegations.

As of the time of publication, no public response had been issued by Professor Abubakar or El-Rufai's legal team regarding the latest accusations.

The latest development comes amid ongoing corruption-related prosecutions involving the former Kaduna governor.

Since his arrest earlier in 2026, El-Rufai has faced multiple legal proceedings arising from investigations conducted by the ICPC into decisions taken during his administration between 2015 and 2023.

The commission has previously stated that the cases involve allegations including abuse of office, fraud and money laundering, all of which El-Rufai has denied. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges filed against him. 

Earlier this month, the Kaduna State High Court declined an application for bail on medical grounds after questions were raised over medical documents presented in support of the request. The court nevertheless directed that El-Rufai should continue to have access to medical care while in ICPC custody. 

The commission has also repeatedly maintained that the former governor remains in lawful custody under valid court orders and that all actions taken against him are guided by due process rather than political considerations. 

The allegations surrounding the hospital visit could become significant in the broader court proceedings because they relate to compliance with judicial directives issued while a defendant is in custody.

If the court determines that the conditions attached to the medical visit were breached, the issue could influence future decisions concerning access arrangements or other applications made during the trial.

The arrest of El-Rufai's personal physician also introduces a new dimension to the case, potentially expanding the scope of the ongoing investigation.

The ICPC has maintained that it acted within the law in approving El-Rufai's medical visit but now alleges that the opportunity was used for activities beyond what the court authorised. The commission says it will present the matter before the court while continuing its investigation into the role of the former governor's personal physician.

For now, the allegations remain those of the anti-corruption agency. El-Rufai and his legal representatives are expected to have the opportunity to respond during the ongoing judicial process, where the court will determine the facts and any legal consequences arising from the claims.