The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has accused former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, of violating the conditions of a court-approved medical visit while in the commission’s custody. In a statement issued by its spokesperson and Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the commission also announced the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, for allegedly making false statements.
Background of the Medical Visit
According to the commission, 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 he failed to appear on the first day of proceedings. The commission’s 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.
Court Proceedings and Alleged Violations
“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has expressed concern over developments surrounding a court-approved medical visit granted to former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, who is currently in the Commission's custody,” the statement read. “The Kaduna State High Court had fixed July 6, 7, and 8, 2026, for an accelerated hearing of the criminal charges pending against the defendant. On the first day of hearing, however, Mallam El-Rufai did not appear before the court.” During proceedings, the prosecution informed the court that when officers prepared to convey the defendant to court, he declined to accompany them, insisting that he wished to consult 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, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his legal counsel, had requested that he see his personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar.
Adjournment and Medical Visit Arrangements
Following arguments by counsel, the court adjourned further proceedings until July 15, 2026, to hear the defendant's application seeking the trial judge's recusal and to await the directive of the Honourable Chief Judge of Kaduna State on the pending petition for transfer of the case. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and in full compliance with the court's directives as well as its statutory obligation to respect the rights, dignity and welfare of persons in its custody, the Commission facilitated the defendant's request to receive medical attention under appropriate security arrangements. During the hospital visit on Tuesday, July 7, 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. At the request of members of his family, the officers remained outside the consultation room while the attending oncologist was purportedly examining him.
Evidence of Violation
The Commission was, however, subsequently confronted with photographs posted on Facebook at 2:00 pm Nigerian time by one of his political associates, Isa Ashiru Kudan, stating categorically that they had just concluded a meeting with El-Rufai. The picture posted on Facebook also had Professor Abubakar, Isa Kudan, and three others with El-Rufai at a time he was supposedly having a 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 statement emphasized.
ICPC Response and Arrest
The ICPC has been very patient, professional, and courteous in managing Mallam El-Rufai and other suspects and defendants in its custody. However, it has become very clear that these professional courtesies have been abused and will therefore no longer be tolerated. 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. Professor Bello Abubakar has been arrested for making false statements. At this moment, Professor 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.”
