ICPC claims El-Rufai broke medical visit rules, doctor arrested

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission said on Tuesday that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, broke the rules of a court-approved medical visit while in their custody.

The commission also said they have arrested El-Rufai’s personal doctor, Professor Bello Abubakar, for allegedly providing false information.

In a statement from its spokesperson and Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, the commission explained that they arranged El-Rufai’s medical visit as required by a court order and to respect the rights of those in their care.

The ICPC revealed that the Kaduna State High Court scheduled July 6, 7, and 8, 2026, for a speedy hearing of criminal charges against El-Rufai. But he did not show up on the first day of the hearing.

The commission’s prosecution team told the court that when its officers came to take El-Rufai to court, he refused to go with them. He insisted on seeing his personal doctor.

"The prosecution also informed the court that no prior request was made to the Commission for such medical consultation. When asked by the Commission’s medical doctor, the defendant reportedly said he had no immediate medical complaints. However, he mentioned that his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his lawyers, asked him to see his personal doctor, Professor Bello Abubakar," the statement said.

The commission added that the court then postponed the case until July 15, 2026. This was to hear El-Rufai’s application for the trial judge’s recusal and to wait for the Chief Judge of Kaduna State’s decision on a petition about moving the case.

Despite the postponement, the ICPC approved the medical visit based on the court's directive.

"During the hospital visit on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in the private wing of the National Hospital, FCT, our medical and security team acted professionally and respected the defendant’s privacy," the statement said.

The commission specified that, at the request of El-Rufai’s family, its officers stayed outside the consultation room while the doctor examined him.

But the ICPC later found out that photos were shared on Facebook by one of El-Rufai’s political allies, Isa Ashiru Kudan. The pictures showed El-Rufai with several visitors, including Professor Abubakar, during the time set for his medical consultation.

"The images and post by Isa Kudan showed that the planned medical visit was used for activities outside what the court and the ICPC allowed. This is a clear violation of the court order!" the commission stated.

The anti-corruption agency said it has treated El-Rufai and other suspects in their custody "with patience, professionalism, and courtesy," but claimed that this goodwill was taken for granted.

"The ICPC will inform the courts about the open disobedience of court orders by the defendant. The professional and humane approach of the ICPC should not be underestimated," it added.

The commission also announced that Professor Abubakar had been arrested.

"Right now, Professor Bello Abubakar, El-Rufai’s personal doctor, has been taken into custody for further investigation," the statement said.

The ICPC said it will continue to work within the law and warned that they "will not accept any misuse of their goodwill by anyone."