Nigeria anti-graft agency accuses ex-governor El-Rufai of misusing court-ordered medical visit

Nigeria's Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has accused former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, of abusing a court-approved medical visit. The anti-graft agency stated it plans to bring this alleged breach of a court order to the court's attention.

This accusation introduces a new development in the ongoing criminal proceedings against the former governor. The ICPC claims that a hospital visit, permitted by the court, was used for purposes beyond medical treatment. The commission also reported the arrest of El-Rufai's personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, for allegedly providing false information.

The ICPC detailed the events leading to the hospital visit and its concerns. The Kaduna State High Court had scheduled accelerated hearings for criminal charges against El-Rufai from July 6 to 8. However, proceedings did not begin as planned because the former governor did not appear in court on the first day. Prosecutors informed the court that El-Rufai refused to go to court, stating he wished to consult his personal physician, despite no prior request for such a consultation being made.

When questioned by the ICPC's medical doctor, El-Rufai reportedly stated he had no immediate health issues but explained his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his lawyers, wanted him to see Professor Bello Abubakar. The court later adjourned until July 15 to consider El-Rufai's request for the trial judge's recusal and to await the Kaduna State Chief Judge's decision on a petition to transfer the case.

Despite these proceedings, the ICPC stated it facilitated El-Rufai's request for medical attention under security arrangements, complying with court directives and its duty to respect the rights of those in custody. The commission's medical and security personnel accompanied El-Rufai to the National Hospital in Abuja. At his family's request, they waited outside the consultation room while an oncologist examined him. However, concerns arose after photographs surfaced on Facebook, posted by El-Rufai's associate, Isa Ashiru Kudan, claiming a meeting with El-Rufai had concluded. These images also showed Professor Bello Abubakar and three other individuals.

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, and in full compliance with the court’s directives as well as its statutory obligation to respect the rights, dignity and welfare of persons in its custody, the Commission facilitated the defendant’s request to receive medical attention under appropriate security arrangements.