The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has accused former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai of violating the conditions attached to a court-approved medical visit while in custody and has arrested his personal physician over the incident.
The anti-graft agency alleged that the former governor used the hospital visit for activities outside the scope permitted by the court, prompting the arrest of his doctor, Professor Bello Abubakar, who is now under investigation for allegedly making false statements.
According to the ICPC, El-Rufai was granted permission to visit the National Hospital in Abuja for medical attention in compliance with a court order and the commission’s obligation to safeguard the welfare of persons in its custody.
The commission said the Kaduna State High Court had fixed July 6, 7 and 8 for the accelerated hearing of criminal charges against the former governor, but he failed to appear on the first day after insisting on seeing his personal physician instead.
ICPC officials stated that although officers respected El-Rufai’s privacy during the hospital visit, they later discovered photographs allegedly showing him meeting with political associates and other visitors during the period approved solely for medical consultation.
The commission argued that the reported meetings amounted to a breach of the court’s directive and said it would formally bring the alleged violation to the attention of the trial court.
ICPC also announced the arrest of Professor Bello Abubakar, saying the physician was taken into custody for further investigation over allegations of making false statements in connection with the medical visit.
However, the African Democratic Congress condemned the commission’s actions, alleging that El-Rufai was denied proper medical care and claiming his wife was assaulted during a confrontation at the hospital. The party described the development as politically motivated and demanded unrestricted access for the former governor to his family, lawyers and doctors.
The commission, meanwhile, insisted it acted within the law and maintained that it would not tolerate any abuse of the privileges granted to suspects in its custody as investigations and court proceedings continue.