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-corruption agency also confirmed the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, over allegations of making false statements during the investigation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, John Odey, the ICPC said it granted El-Rufai access to medical care in compliance with a court directive and its responsibility to safeguard the 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 was absent on the opening day of the proceedings.
The ICPC stated that its prosecution team informed the court that El-Rufai declined to accompany officials to court and instead requested to be examined by his personal physician. The commission further claimed that its medical personnel found no immediate health complaints after speaking with him, adding that the request was made at the instance of his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his legal representatives.
Following the development, the court adjourned the matter until July 15, 2026, to consider El-Rufai’s application seeking the trial judge’s recusal and to await the decision of the Kaduna State Chief Judge on a petition requesting the transfer of the case.
Despite the adjournment, the ICPC approved the medical visit, which took place at the private wing of the National Hospital in Abuja. The commission said its medical and security personnel remained outside the consultation room at the request of El-Rufai’s family while an oncologist attended to him.
However, the commission alleged that photographs later shared on social media by one of El-Rufai’s political associates showed the former governor receiving several visitors, including Professor Abubakar, during the period designated for the medical consultation.
The ICPC argued that the images suggested the hospital visit was used for activities beyond the purpose approved by the court, describing the development as a violation of the court’s directive.
The commission maintained that it had treated El-Rufai and other suspects in its custody professionally and with respect, but said it would bring the alleged breach before the court. It also confirmed that Professor Bello Abubakar had been taken into custody for further investigation while reaffirming its commitment to enforcing the law and preventing any abuse of its processes.
