ICPC arrests El-Rufai’s personal doctor, alleges breach of court order

ICPC arrests El-Rufai’s personal doctor, alleges breach of court order

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. The anti-graft agency alleges that the professor made false statements in connection with a court-approved medical visit conducted by the former governor while in custody.

The incident follows a series of legal proceedings in the Kaduna State High Court. The court had scheduled July 6, 7, and 8, 2026, for an accelerated hearing regarding criminal charges brought against El-Rufai. However, the former governor failed to appear when proceedings began on July 6.

According to the ICPC, El-Rufai declined to accompany officers to the courtroom, insisting instead on seeing his personal doctor. The commission stated that no prior request for such a consultation had been made. When questioned by the commission's own medical doctor, El-Rufai reportedly stated he had no immediate medical complaints, but explained that his wife, Asia El-Rufai — who also serves as one of his lawyers — wanted him to consult with his personal physician.

The court subsequently adjourned the matter until July 15, 2026. This pause allows the court to hear El-Rufai’s application for the trial judge’s recusal and to await a decision from the Kaduna State Chief Judge regarding a petition to transfer the case.

Despite the adjournment, the ICPC approved a medical visit on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the private wing of the National Hospital, Abuja. The agency stated that its security and medical personnel remained outside the consultation room to respect the privacy of the defendant, following a request from El-Rufai’s family, while an oncologist examined him.

The ICPC now alleges that this privilege was abused. The commission claims it discovered photographs posted to Facebook at approximately 2 p.m. By Isa Ashiru Kudan, a political associate of El-Rufai and the ADC governorship candidate in Kaduna State. The post included a caption stating they had just concluded a meeting with El-Rufai.

The commission asserts that the images showed El-Rufai with Professor Abubakar, Isa Kudan, and three other individuals during the window specifically approved for medical consultation. In a statement issued by spokesperson John Okor Odey, the ICPC said:

"The images and post by Isa Kudan indicated that the arranged medical visit was utilised for activities outside the scope contemplated by the court and the ICPC. This is a clear violation of the court order!"

John Okor Odey, ICPC spokesperson, via official statement

The agency described the act as flagrant disobedience and warned that its professional and humane disposition should not be taken for granted. Consequently, Professor Bello Abubakar was taken into custody for further investigation into the alleged false statements he made during the visit.

This latest friction follows a July 2 ruling by presiding judge Darius Khobo, who dismissed a third bail application filed by El-Rufai in the nine-count charge. Judge Khobo ruled that a medical report submitted by El-Rufai could not serve as a basis for relief because the National Hospital in Abuja had disowned the report. However, the judge did order the ICPC to ensure El-Rufai had unrestricted access to personal physicians and specialized diagnostic facilities within Nigeria during the trial.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the ICPC's actions, alleging that the agency violated El-Rufai's constitutional rights and denied him proper medical care. In a statement by National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party claimed that ICPC operatives returned the former governor to custody despite medical advice suggesting he be admitted to the hospital.

The ADC further alleged that Asia El-Rufai was assaulted during a confrontation with ICPC operatives and that Professor Abubakar was arrested for protesting the decision to return the former governor to custody. The party described El-Rufai as a political prisoner and claimed that the actions of the Tinubu government represent an assault on the Constitution of 200 million Nigerians.

The ICPC has denied these claims, maintaining it acted in full compliance with court directives and only intervened after concluding the medical appointment was used for unauthorized purposes.

The commission has stated it will bring the alleged breach of the court order to the attention of the court. The matter is set to return to the Kaduna State High Court on July 15, 2026.