The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on Tuesday alleged that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai violated the conditions of a court-approved medical visit while in the commission’s custody.
The commission also announced the arrest of his personal physician, Prof. Bello Abubakar, for allegedly making false statements.
In a statement by its spokesperson and Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, the commission said it had facilitated El-Rufai’s medical visit in compliance with a court directive and its statutory obligation to respect the rights and welfare of persons in its custody.
The ICPC disclosed that the Kaduna State High Court had fixed July 6, 7, and 8, 2026, for the accelerated hearing of criminal charges against the former governor but that he failed to appear on the first day of proceedings.
According to the commission, its prosecution team informed the court that when officers arrived to convey El-Rufai to court, he declined to accompany them, insisting on seeing his personal doctor.
“The prosecution further informed the court that no prior request had been made to the commission for such medical consultation and that, when asked by the commission’s medical doctor, the defendant reportedly indicated that he had no immediate medical complaints but stated that his wife, Aisha El-Rufai, who is also one of his legal counsel, had requested that he see his personal physician, Prof. Bello Abubakar,” the statement said.
The commission said the court subsequently adjourned the matter until July 15, 2026, to hear El-Rufai’s application seeking the trial judge’s recusal and to await the decision of the chief judge of Kaduna State on a petition seeking the transfer of the case.
It stated that despite the adjournment, it approved the medical visit in line with the court’s directive.
“During the hospital visit on Tuesday, 7th July, 2026, at the private wing of the National Hospital, FCT, officers of the commission’s medical and security team conducted themselves professionally and respected the defendant’s privacy,” the statement said.
The commission added that, at the request of El-Rufai’s family members, its officers remained outside the consultation room while the attending oncologist was said to be examining him.
However, the ICPC alleged that it later discovered photographs posted on Facebook by one of El-Rufai’s political associates, Isa Ashiru, showing the former governor with several visitors, including Prof. Abubakar, during the period designated for the medical consultation.
“The images and post by Isa Kudan indicated that the arranged medical visit was utilized for activities outside the scope contemplated by the court and the ICPC. This is a clear violation of the court order,” the commission stated.
The anti-graft agency said it had managed El-Rufai and other suspects in its custody “with patience, professionalism, and courtesy,” but alleged that such goodwill had been abused.
“The ICPC will bring to the attention of the courts the flagrant disobedience of court orders by the defendant. The professional and humane nature of the ICPC should not be taken for granted,” it added.
The commission further announced that Prof. Abubakar had been arrested.
“At this moment, Prof. Bello Abubakar, El-Rufai’s personal physician, has been taken into custody for further investigation.
“The ICPC reiterates its resolve to continue to operate within the ambit of the law at all times.
“The commission also wants to make it categorically clear that it will not tolerate, under any guise, the abuse of its goodwill by anybody or group of persons,” the statement said.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Kaduna State High Court adjourned proceedings to await the decision of the state’s CJ on an application seeking the transfer of El-Rufai’s case to another judge.
Justice Darius Khobo fixed July 15 for the hearing of the defendant’s application after the defense asked the court to recuse itself from the case, citing a lack of confidence in obtaining justice before the judge.
The matter, which had earlier been slated for accelerated hearing on July 6, 7, and 8, could not proceed after El-Rufai failed to appear in court.
