The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has accused former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai of violating a court-approved medical visit while in the Commission’s custody, describing the incident as a “clear violation” of a court order.
The anti-corruption agency also announced the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, over allegations of making false statements during the incident, adding that the matter would be brought before the court.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ICPC said the Kaduna State High Court had scheduled July 6, 7 and 8, 2026, for the accelerated hearing of criminal charges against the former governor. However, El-Rufai failed to appear in court on the first day of the proceedings.
According to the Commission, prosecutors informed the court that when ICPC officials were set to transport El-Rufai from custody to the courtroom, he declined to accompany them, insisting on consulting his personal physician before attending the hearing.
The agency stated that no prior request had been made to the Commission for the medical consultation. It added that when questioned by an ICPC medical doctor, El-Rufai reportedly said he had no immediate health complaints but explained that his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his legal counsel, requested that he see Professor Bello Abubakar.
Following arguments from both the prosecution and defence, the Kaduna State High Court adjourned the case until July 15, 2026. The court is expected to hear El-Rufai’s application seeking the trial judge’s recusal and await the Kaduna State Chief Judge’s decision on a petition requesting the transfer of the case.
Despite the adjournment, the ICPC said it complied fully with the court’s directives by approving El-Rufai’s request for medical attention under strict security arrangements, in line with its obligation to protect the rights and welfare of individuals in its custody.
The Commission said the hospital visit took place on Tuesday, July 7, at the private wing of the National Hospital, Abuja, where its medical and security personnel acted professionally and respected the former governor’s privacy.
According to the statement, ICPC officers remained outside the consultation room at the request of El-Rufai’s family while the attending oncologist was purportedly examining him.
However, the Commission said its attention was later drawn to photographs posted on Facebook around 2:00 p.m. by one of El-Rufai’s political associates, Isa Ashiru Kudan.
The Facebook post, according to the ICPC, claimed that the group had “just concluded a meeting” with El-Rufai. The photographs allegedly showed Professor Bello Abubakar, Isa Ashiru Kudan and three other individuals with the former governor during the period he was expected to be receiving medical treatment.
“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 Commission stated.
The ICPC said it had consistently treated El-Rufai and other suspects in its custody with professionalism, patience and respect for their rights, but lamented that its goodwill had been abused
“It has become very clear that these professional courtesies have been abused and will therefore no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.
The Commission added that it would formally notify the court of what it described as El-Rufai’s “flagrant disobedience” of the court’s order.
“The professional and humane nature of the ICPC should not be taken for granted,” the agency said.
The anti-graft agency also confirmed that Professor Bello Abubakar has been taken into custody for further investigation over allegations of making false statements in connection with the incident.
Reaffirming its commitment to due process, the ICPC maintained that it would continue to operate strictly within the law while warning that it would not tolerate any abuse of its goodwill by any individual or group.
