The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested Bello Abubakar, the personal physician of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations of making false statements during a court-approved medical visit for the former governor. The commission also accused El-Rufai of abusing the hospital visit by receiving political associates, violating the court’s order.
ICPC Alleges Abuse of Court-Approved Medical Visit
According to a statement issued by the ICPC on Tuesday, the Kaduna State High Court had scheduled 6, 7, and 8 July for an accelerated hearing of criminal charges against El-Rufai. However, the former governor failed to appear on the first day. The commission said its counsel informed the court that when officers prepared to take El-Rufai from custody, he declined, insisting on seeing his personal physician. No prior request for medical consultation had been made.
When ICPC medical personnel asked El-Rufai about his condition, he reportedly said he had no immediate medical complaint but explained that his wife, Asia El-Rufai, one of his lawyers, had requested a consultation with Abubakar. The court adjourned proceedings to 15 July to hear El-Rufai’s recusal application and await the Kaduna Chief Judge’s directive on a petition to transfer the case.
ICPC Approved Medical Visit Despite Adjournment
Despite the adjournment, the ICPC approved El-Rufai’s request for medical attention, complying with the court’s directive and its obligation to respect the rights of persons in custody. The former governor was taken to the private wing of the National Hospital in Abuja under security escort. ICPC medical and security personnel remained outside the consultation room at the family’s request for privacy.
However, the ICPC alleged that it later discovered photographs on Facebook posted by Isa Ashiru Kudan, a political associate of El-Rufai, showing the former governor with Abubakar, Kudan, and three others. The commission stated that the Facebook post indicated the hospital visit was used for activities beyond the approved medical consultation. “The arranged medical visit was utilised for activities outside the scope contemplated by the court and the ICPC,” the commission said, describing it as a violation of the court’s order.
Abubakar Arrested for False Statements
The anti-graft agency said it would bring the matter to the court’s attention, adding that professional courtesies extended to El-Rufai had been abused. It announced that Abubakar, a professor, had been taken into custody for further investigation over alleged false statements. The ICPC maintained it would operate within the law and not tolerate abuse of its goodwill.
Background of El-Rufai’s Legal Troubles
El-Rufai is facing multiple criminal cases instituted by the ICPC in Kaduna and at the Federal High Court. He has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty. The opposition leader has accused the federal and Kaduna governments of using the allegations to stifle him and keep him in detention.
PREMIUM TIMES previously reported that El-Rufai was arraigned over allegations including abuse of office, fraud, money laundering, and procurement-related offences. He also faces a separate federal prosecution for alleged unlawful interception of telephone communications. According to amended charges, while serving as governor, El-Rufai allegedly approved a contract for a CCTV surveillance system in Kaduna metropolis at a reviewed cost of N8.68 billion. The ICPC alleged that the contract was awarded to Singularity Network Security Limited, a company lacking required experience and qualifications, violating public procurement laws. Proceeds from the transaction were allegedly transferred through several companies and individuals. El-Rufai and co-defendants pleaded not guilty.
