ADC, ICPC clash over El-Rufai’s hospital visit, detention conditions

Accusations and counter-accusations have erupted between the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) concerning the hospital visit and detention conditions of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

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Against the hospital’s advice that he would require hospitalisation in view of his failing health, officials of the ICPC insisted on returning him into custody. Protests by his personal physician and his wife led to scuffles during which his wife was assaulted and the doctor subsequently arrested.

The ADC leveled serious allegations against the ICPC, claiming the anti-graft agency denied El-Rufai essential medical care during a visit to the National Hospital in Abuja. The party stated that doctors recommended El-Rufai's admission due to his deteriorating health, but ICPC officials allegedly rejected this, insisting on returning him to custody. The ADC further claimed that El-Rufai's wife and personal physician protested this decision, leading to a confrontation where his wife was reportedly assaulted and the doctor arrested.

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The world should know today that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is holding a political prisoner in Nigeria by the name of Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai.

In response, the ICPC vehemently denied the ADC's claims, accusing El-Rufai of abusing the terms of a court-approved medical visit. The commission stated that El-Rufai had initially declined to leave custody for court proceedings, citing a need to consult his personal physician. However, the ICPC asserted that no prior request for such a consultation had been made. According to the commission, El-Rufai admitted he had no immediate medical complaints but wished to see his physician at his wife's request.

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The Commission said that the Kaduna State High Court had fixed July 6, 7 and 8 for accelerated hearing of criminal charges against El-Rufai, but proceedings could not commence after he allegedly declined to leave custody for court, insisting on consulting his personal physician.

The ADC described the situation as an assault on constitutional rights and human dignity, labeling El-Rufai a "political prisoner" and holding President Bola Tinubu responsible for his continued detention. Meanwhile, court proceedings for El-Rufai's criminal charges have been adjourned to July 15, pending a decision on his application for the trial judge's recusal and a directive on the case's transfer.

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According to the ICPC, the court subsequently adjourned proceedings until July 15 to hear El-Rufai’s application seeking the recusal of the trial judge and to await a directive from the Kaduna State Chief Judge on a pending request for transfer of the case.