ICPC Alleges El-Rufai Abused Medical Visit, Arrests Personal Doctor
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has alleged that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai breached the conditions attached to a court-approved medical visit while in the commission’s custody. The anti-graft agency also confirmed the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, over allegations that he made false statements in connection with the hospital visit.
According to a statement issued by the ICPC, the medical visit was approved in compliance with a directive of the Kaduna State High Court and in line with the commission’s obligation to respect the rights and welfare of individuals in its custody. The agency explained that it facilitated the visit after legal proceedings involving the former governor were adjourned, allowing him access to medical consultation as ordered by the court.
The commission disclosed that the Kaduna State High Court had fixed July 6, 7 and 8, 2026, for the accelerated hearing of criminal charges against El-Rufai. However, prosecutors informed the court that the former governor did not appear on the first day of the proceedings. According to the ICPC, when officers arrived to transport him to court, he insisted on seeing his personal physician instead of accompanying them. The agency further stated that no prior request for such a consultation had been submitted before that time.
Following the court’s adjournment of the case to July 15, the ICPC said it proceeded with the medical visit at the private wing of the National Hospital in Abuja. The commission maintained that its security and medical personnel respected El-Rufai’s privacy by remaining outside the consultation room while the examination was being conducted.
The commission, however, alleged that the hospital visit was used for activities beyond the scope permitted by the court. According to the ICPC, El-Rufai allegedly received visits from political associates and other individuals during the medical appointment, an action it described as inconsistent with the purpose for which the visit had been authorised. The agency said it considers the development a violation of the court order and intends to bring the matter to the attention of the court during subsequent proceedings.
The ICPC also announced the arrest of Professor Bello Abubakar, El-Rufai’s personal physician. The commission alleged that the doctor made false statements during its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the medical consultation. While the agency did not immediately disclose the full details of the alleged false statements, it said the arrest forms part of its ongoing inquiry into the events that occurred during the hospital visit.
The latest allegations add another layer to the legal proceedings involving the former Kaduna governor, who is facing criminal charges filed by the ICPC. In a separate ruling delivered days earlier, the Kaduna State High Court rejected El-Rufai’s application for bail on medical grounds after questioning the credibility of a medical report presented in support of his request. The court held that the report had been disowned by the hospital on whose letterhead it was issued and ruled that it could not justify granting bail.
Despite rejecting the bail application, the court directed the commission to continue providing El-Rufai with unrestricted access to his personal medical practitioners and to facilitate visits to any specialised medical facility within Nigeria whenever necessary during the trial. The ICPC has stated that it remains committed to complying fully with those directives while ensuring that all court orders are respected.
The allegations surrounding the hospital visit are expected to feature prominently when proceedings resume before the Kaduna State High Court. Meanwhile, the ICPC has reiterated its commitment to conducting the prosecution in accordance with the law while respecting the constitutional rights of all parties involved. As the case continues, attention will remain focused on both the substantive charges against El-Rufai and the commission’s latest claims regarding the court-approved medical visit.
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