The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested the personal physician of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, alleging that a court-approved medical visit was abused and used for activities outside the scope permitted by the court.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested Professor Bello Abubakar, the personal physician of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, over allegations of making false statements in connection with a court-approved medical visit granted to the former governor while in the Commission’s custody.
The anti-graft agency also accused El-Rufai of violating the conditions attached to the medical visit, describing the alleged actions as a clear breach of a court order.
According to a statement issued by ICPC spokesperson John Odey, the Kaduna State High Court had fixed July 6, 7 and 8, 2026, for the accelerated hearing of criminal charges against El-Rufai.
The Commission said El-Rufai did not appear in court on the first day of proceedings after requesting to see his personal physician. It explained that although no prior request had been made for such a consultation, it later approved the medical visit in compliance with the court’s directive and its obligation to respect the welfare of persons in custody.
ICPC stated that its medical and security personnel accompanied El-Rufai to the private wing of the National Hospital in Abuja and remained outside the consultation room to respect his privacy during the examination.
However, the Commission alleged that photographs later circulated on social media showed El-Rufai receiving several visitors, including political associates, during the period designated solely for medical consultation. According to the ICPC, the images suggested that the visit was used for activities beyond what the court had authorised.
The Commission further announced that Professor Bello Abubakar had been taken into custody for further investigation over alleged false statements relating to the incident.
The ICPC maintained that it handled El-Rufai’s medical request professionally and in compliance with the court order, stressing that the Commission has consistently respected the rights of individuals in its custody.
The anti-corruption agency nevertheless argued that the alleged conduct during the hospital visit amounted to an abuse of the goodwill extended by investigators and undermined the conditions attached to the court-approved medical outing.
The latest development comes as El-Rufai continues to face criminal proceedings before the Kaduna State High Court. The case has attracted significant public attention due to the allegations against the former governor and the ongoing legal contest over the charges.
ICPC said it intends to bring the alleged breach of the court order to the attention of the trial court.
The Commission also confirmed that Professor Bello Abubakar remains in custody while investigations continue, adding that it “will not tolerate, under any guise, the abuse of its goodwill by anybody or group of persons.”
As of the time of filing this report, El-Rufai’s legal team had not issued a formal response to the Commission’s latest allegations.
The ICPC’s latest allegations mark another significant development in the legal proceedings involving the former Kaduna governor. With the Commission preparing to present the alleged breach before the court, attention is expected to remain on the ongoing trial and the outcome of investigations into the circumstances surrounding the medical visit.