El-Rufai abused medical visit, doctor arrested – ICPC

Nigeria's Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has accused former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai of abusing the terms of a court-sanctioned medical visit while in its custody. The commission also announced the arrest of El-Rufai's personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, for allegedly providing false information.

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The prosecution further informed the court that no prior request had been made to the commission for such medical consultation and that, when asked by the commission’s medical doctor, the defendant reportedly indicated that he had no immediate medical complaints but stated that his wife, Aisha El-Rufai, who is also one of his legal counsel, had requested that he see his personal physician, Prof Bello Abubakar.

The ICPC stated that it facilitated El-Rufai's medical visit in compliance with a court order. However, El-Rufai failed to appear for his criminal charges hearing on July 6, 2026, claiming he needed to see his doctor. The commission noted that no prior request for a consultation was made, and El-Rufai indicated he had no immediate medical complaints, stating his wife requested the visit with his personal physician.

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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.

Despite the court adjourning the case, the ICPC approved the medical visit. During this visit on July 7, 2026, at the National Hospital in Abuja, ICPC personnel maintained professionalism. However, the commission later discovered photographs posted on Facebook by an associate, Isa Ashiru, showing El-Rufai with several visitors, including Prof Abubakar, during the designated medical consultation period. The ICPC considers this a clear violation of the court order, alleging that the visit was used for activities beyond its intended medical scope.

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The ICP