Why we arrested El-Rufai’s personal doctor – ICPC

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Tuesday explained why it arrested Professor Bello Abubakar, personal physician to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, saying the doctor was taken into custody for allegedly making false statements over the ex-governor’s court-approved hospital visit.

The anti-graft agency, ICPC in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Mr Okor Odey, said Professor Abubakar’s arrest followed preliminary findings that the medical visit granted to El-Rufai was allegedly used for activities outside the purpose approved by the court. Blueprint reports

According to the ICPC, El-Rufai was taken to the private wing of the National Hospital, Abuja, on July 7 under security arrangements sanctioned by the Kaduna State High Court to enable him receive medical attention.

The ICPC said its officials conducted themselves professionally during the exercise and respected the former governor’s privacy by remaining outside the consultation room while he was being examined by an oncologist.

hospital visit under scrutiny by ICPC

The commission, however, alleged that events that unfolded during the hospital visit raised concerns that the arrangement had been abused.

It pointed to a Facebook post by the Kaduna State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rt. Hon. Isa Ashiru Kudan, which showed photographs of the politician, Professor Abubakar and three other persons meeting with El-Rufai while he was expected to be undergoing medical consultation.

According to the commission, the photographs suggested that the visit was used for engagements beyond the medical purpose contemplated by the court and the anti-graft agency.

“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,” the statement read.

The commission further alleged that professional courtesies extended to the former governor had been repeatedly abused, prompting the decision to arrest his physician for allegedly making false statements during investigations into the matter.

It added that the doctor remains in custody while further investigations continue.

fresh twist in el-rufai’s legal troubles

The latest development has added another layer of controversy to the legal battle involving the former Kaduna governor, who is currently standing trial on a nine-count charge filed by the ICPC.

El-Rufai is facing allegations bordering on abuse of office, diversion of public funds and violations of procurement procedures during his eight-year administration in Kaduna State.

The former governor has consistently denied the allegations, insisting that the charges are politically motivated and aimed at silencing him because of his growing influence within opposition politics.

His prosecution has generated widespread public interest owing to his status as one of the country’s most influential politicians and his recent alignment with opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

court rejects bail application

The arrest of the former governor’s personal physician comes only days after the Kaduna State High Court rejected El-Rufai’s third application for bail.

Justice Darius Khobo ruled that the medical report tendered by the former governor’s legal team could not support his request after the National Hospital, Abuja, reportedly distanced itself from the document presented before the court.

Despite declining the application, the court ordered the ICPC to grant El-Rufai unrestricted access to his personal doctors and allow him to receive treatment at any specialised medical facility of his choice within Nigeria.

The court’s directive was widely interpreted as an attempt to balance the former governor’s constitutional right to healthcare with the need to preserve the integrity of the ongoing trial.

political implications

The latest controversy is expected to heighten political tensions in Kaduna State, where El-Rufai’s supporters and critics have remained sharply divided over his prosecution.

While his allies have accused anti-graft agencies of persecution and selective justice, supporters of the ICPC insist that no public official, regardless of status, should be above the law.

Political analysts believe the arrest of El-Rufai’s doctor and the allegations surrounding the hospital visit could further complicate the former governor’s legal strategy and intensify debates over the high-profile corruption case.

For now, El-Rufai remains in custody as proceedings continue, while the ICPC says investigations into the circumstances surrounding the controversial hospital visit are still ongoing.