ICPC Arrests El-Rufai’s Personal Doctor Over Alleged Abuse of Court-Approved Hospital Visit
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested Professor Bello Abubakar, the personal doctor to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged misconduct linked to a court-approved medical visit.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by ICPC spokesperson John Odey, the arrest followed what the Commission described as an abuse of the privileges granted by the court, as well as an alleged violation of the conditions attached to El-Rufai’s hospital visit.
The anti-graft agency explained that a Kaduna State High Court had fixed July 6, 7, and 8, 2026, for the accelerated hearing of criminal charges against the former governor.
However, El-Rufai did not appear in court on the opening day of the proceedings.
The prosecution informed the court that when ICPC officials were preparing to transport El-Rufai to court, he requested to see his personal physician instead. The Commission said there had been no prior request for such a consultation.
ICPC further stated that its medical personnel examined El-Rufai, who reportedly indicated he had no urgent health complaints. The former governor allegedly explained that the visit was requested by his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also a member of his legal team.
Following the court’s approval, the Commission arranged a secured visit to the National Hospital, Abuja, where El-Rufai was expected to consult his physician.
However, the ICPC alleged that the hospital visit went beyond the medical purpose approved by the court. The Commission claimed the meeting became an opportunity for political interactions after photographs of El-Rufai with one of his associates, Isa Ashiri Kudan, surfaced on social media.
The agency said the development suggested that the hospital visit was used for activities outside the scope of the court’s approval, prompting the arrest of Professor Abubakar as investigations continue.
The ICPC has not disclosed whether additional charges will be filed against any of the individuals involved.
Why It Matters
The development adds another twist to the legal proceedings involving the former Kaduna governor and raises fresh questions about compliance with court orders, medical privileges granted to defendants in custody, and accountability during ongoing criminal trials.
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