ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has accused former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, of violating the conditions attached to a court-approved medical visit while in its custody, alleging that the opportunity was used for activities unrelated to medical treatment.
The anti-graft agency also confirmed the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, over allegations of making false statements during the investigation.
In a statement issued Tuesday by its spokesman, John Odey, the Commission said it approved the medical visit in compliance with a Kaduna State High Court order and in keeping with its obligation to safeguard the rights and welfare of persons in custody.
According to the ICPC, the Kaduna State High Court had fixed July 6, 7 and 8, 2026, for the accelerated hearing of criminal charges against El-Rufai. However, the former governor was absent when proceedings commenced on Monday.
The Commission said its prosecutors informed the court that officers who arrived to convey El-Rufai to the courtroom were told he would not leave until he had seen his personal physician.
It maintained that no formal request for the consultation had been made beforehand. The Commission further claimed that when its medical doctor examined El-Rufai, he reportedly disclosed that he had no immediate health complaints, explaining instead that his wife, Asia El-Rufai who is also one of his lawyers had requested that he be examined by his personal doctor.
READ ALSO: El-Rufai Absent In Court, Trial Adjourned Till April
Following the development, the court adjourned proceedings until July 15, 2026, to hear El-Rufai’s application seeking the trial judge’s recusal and to await the decision of the Kaduna State Chief Judge on a petition requesting the transfer of the case.
Despite the adjournment, the ICPC said it facilitated the hospital visit as directed by the court.
The Commission disclosed that the medical appointment took place on Tuesday at the private wing of the National Hospital, Abuja, where its medical and security personnel maintained professionalism and respected El-Rufai’s privacy throughout the consultation.
According to the statement, ICPC officers remained outside the consultation room at the request of El-Rufai’s family while an oncologist attended to him.
However, the agency alleged that it later discovered photographs shared on Facebook by Isa Ashiru Kudan, a political associate of the former governor, showing El-Rufai receiving several visitors, including Professor Abubakar, during the period set aside for medical consultation.
The Commission argued that the images suggested the visit had gone beyond the scope permitted by the court.
“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,” the statement said.
READ ALSO: Kaduna Court Adjourns El-Rufai’s Bail Hearing
The anti-corruption agency said it had treated El-Rufai and other suspects in its custody with fairness, professionalism and respect but alleged that its goodwill had been abused.
It added that it would formally bring the alleged breach to the attention of the court, insisting that its humane approach should not be taken for granted.
The ICPC also announced that Professor Bello Abubakar had been taken into custody to assist with ongoing investigations into the matter.
Reaffirming its commitment to due process, the Commission said it would continue to operate within the law but would not tolerate any attempt to exploit privileges extended to suspects in its custody.