ICPC arrests El-Rufai’s doctor, alleges abuse of court-approved medical visit

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested Professor Bello Abubakar, the personal physician to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, alleging that a court-approved medical visit was used for purposes outside those authorised by the court.

In a statement on Tuesday, the anti-graft agency said the development followed a medical visit granted to El-Rufai, who is currently in ICPC custody and standing trial on criminal charges before the Kaduna State High Court.

According to the commission, El-Rufai failed to appear in court on July 6, the first day of the accelerated hearing, after declining to leave custody for the court, insisting he wanted to see his personal doctor.

The ICPC said it informed the court that El-Rufai had not previously requested the consultation and that its medical officer reported he had no immediate medical complaints, but stated that his wife and legal counsel, Asia El-Rufai, requested the visit.

Following the court proceedings, which were adjourned until July 15 to determine an application seeking the trial judge’s recusal, the commission said it approved the medical visit under security escort in compliance with the court’s directive.

However, the ICPC alleged that photographs later posted on Facebook by one of El-Rufai’s political associates, Isa Ashiru Kudan, showed the former governor meeting with political associates, including Professor Bello Abubakar, during what was meant to be a private medical consultation.

The commission said 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 order.

It said Professor Bello Abubakar was subsequently arrested for allegedly making false statements and has been taken into custody for further investigation.

The ICPC also said it would bring the alleged breach of the court order to the attention of the court, warning that it would no longer tolerate what it described as abuse of the professional courtesies extended to suspects and defendants in its custody.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to operating within the law while insisting it would take appropriate action against any attempt to undermine judicial processes or abuse its goodwill.