ICPC Arrests El-Rufai’s Doctor Over Alleged False Statement in Medical Visit Controversy

The legal battle involving former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has taken another turn after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arrested his personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, over alleged false statements connected to a court-approved medical visit.

The commission said the arrest followed allegations that the medical consultation granted to El-Rufai was used for purposes beyond what had been approved by the court.

ICPC spokesperson, John Okor Odey, disclosed in a statement that the commission would formally present the development before the Kaduna State High Court, where El-Rufai’s criminal trial is ongoing.

The latest development comes days after proceedings in the former governor’s trial were stalled following his absence from court during the first day of an accelerated hearing scheduled for July 6, 7 and 8.

According to ICPC, its officials had made arrangements to convey El-Rufai from custody to court but the former governor requested to see his personal doctor instead.

The commission said the request was approved despite the absence of a prior formal application, explaining that the decision was made in compliance with the court’s directive and its responsibility to protect the welfare of persons in custody.

The medical consultation was subsequently held at the private wing of the National Hospital, Abuja.

ICPC said its medical and security personnel stayed outside the consultation room after El-Rufai’s family requested privacy during the examination.

However, the commission alleged that events during the visit went beyond the approved medical purpose.

According to ICPC, photographs later posted on Facebook by Isa Ashiru Kudan, described by the commission as a political associate of El-Rufai, showed Professor Abubakar, Kudan and three other individuals with the former governor during the period allocated for the medical consultation.

The commission said the images raised concerns that the approved medical visit may have been used for activities unrelated to medical assessment.

ICPC described the development as a possible violation of the conditions under which the visit was permitted and said it would notify the Kaduna State High Court of its findings.

“The commission will bring the matter before the court and take appropriate steps,” ICPC stated.

The anti-corruption agency also warned that it would no longer tolerate what it described as the abuse of professional courtesies extended to suspects and defendants under its custody.

It confirmed that Professor Abubakar was being held while investigations continued into allegations of making false statements regarding the incident.

The arrest of the doctor comes amid a separate legal dispute over the conduct of El-Rufai’s ongoing trial.

The former governor’s trial was recently adjourned until July 15, 2026, following an application by his legal team seeking the recusal of Justice Darius Khobo, who is handling the case.

The defence has argued that it lacks confidence in continuing before the judge and has also petitioned the Chief Judge of Kaduna State seeking the transfer of the matter to another judge.

The prosecution has opposed the move, arguing that the filing of a recusal application does not automatically stop criminal proceedings.

El-Rufai is facing a nine-count amended charge bordering on alleged abuse of office, fraud, conferring undue advantage, irregular award and execution of public contracts, money laundering and unlawful handling of public funds during his tenure as Kaduna State governor.

The former governor has denied the allegations.