The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested Prof. Bello Abubakar, personal physician to former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged abuse of a court-approved medical visit.
The commission spokesperson, Mr John Odey, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
Odey said that El-Rufai’s personal physician was arrested because he allegedly made false statements in connection with a court-approved medical visit.
He said the visit was granted to El-Rufai at the private wing of the National Hospital, FCT, with the understanding that he was to receive medical attention.
”However, photos later posted online by a political associate, Isa Kudan, showed El-Rufai meeting with Prof. Abubakar and others at the same time”.
He said this indicated the medical visit was used for activities outside the scope approved by the court, which the Commission described as an abuse of its goodwill and a violation of the court order.
He explained that the Kaduna State High Court had fixed July 6, 7 and 8 for accelerated hearing of criminal charges pending against El-Rufai, who is currently in the commission’s custody.
”However, on the first day of the hearing, the former governor did not appear before the court.
”The prosecution told the court that El-Rufai refused to be conveyed, insisting he wanted to see his personal doctor.
”The prosecution further stated that no prior request for medical consultation was made to the Commission. When asked by the ICPC medical doctor, El-Rufai reportedly said he had no immediate complaint”.
He allegedly said his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his lawyers, requested that he see Abubakar, his personal physician.
According to him, following arguments by counsel, the court adjourned proceedings to July 15.
”The adjournment was to hear an application for the trial judge’s recusal and to await the Chief Judge’s directive on a transfer petition.
”In spite of this, ICPC facilitated the medical visit in compliance with court directives and its obligation to respect the rights and welfare of persons in custody.
“The hospital visit took place on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the private wing of the National Hospital, FCT. ICPC’s medical and security team conducted themselves professionally and respected the defendant’s privacy”.
Odey said that at the family’s request, ICPC officers remained outside the consultation room, while the attending oncologist was supposedly examining El-Rufai.
”The commission was later confronted with Facebook photos posted at 2pm by Isa Ashiru Kudan, a political associate of El-Rufai, showing a meeting with the former governor.
”The pictures showed Prof. Abubakar, Isa Kudan and three others with El-Rufai at the same time he was supposed to be having a medical consultation.
”The images indicated the medical visit was used for activities outside the scope approved by the court and the Commission, describing it as a clear violation of the court order.”
While noting that the commission had remained patient, professional and courteous in handling El-Rufai and other suspects, Odey warned that such courtesies had been abused and the commission will no longer tolerate it.
He added that Abubakar had been taken into custody for making false statements and for further investigation.
He said that the commission would bring the alleged disobedience to the attention of the court and reiterated its commitment to operating within the law.
