The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has accused former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, of breaching the conditions attached to a court-approved medical visit while he was in the agency’s custody.
The commission also confirmed the arrest of his personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, over alleged false statements linked to the incident.
The commission made this known on Tuesday through its spokesperson and Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey. According to the ICPC, it approved El-Rufai’s hospital visit in line with a court order and its responsibility to protect the rights and welfare of individuals in its custody.
The anti-graft agency explained that the 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 first day of the trial.
The commission said its prosecution team informed the court that officers assigned to take El-Rufai to court were unable to do so because he insisted on seeing his personal doctor before leaving custody. It added that no request for such a consultation had been submitted beforehand.
The agency also stated that its medical doctor asked El-Rufai about his condition and he reportedly said he had no urgent medical complaints, explaining that his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his lawyers, wanted him to meet his personal physician.
Following the development, the court adjourned the matter until July 15, 2026. The next sitting is expected to consider El-Rufai’s application asking the trial judge to step down from the case and to await the decision of the Kaduna State Chief Judge on a petition requesting the transfer of the trial.
Despite the adjournment, the ICPC said it still allowed the medical appointment at the private wing of the National Hospital in Abuja. It stated that its medical and security personnel acted professionally during the visit and respected the privacy of the former governor by remaining outside the consultation room while the attending oncologist examined him, following a request from his family.
The commission said it later discovered photographs shared on Facebook by El-Rufai’s political associate, Isa Ashiru Kudan, showing the former governor receiving several visitors, including Professor Abubakar, during the period meant strictly for the medical consultation.
According to the agency, the images suggested that the hospital visit was used for activities beyond the purpose approved by the court. It described the development as a breach of the court order and said it would bring the matter before the court.
The ICPC maintained that it had treated El-Rufai and other suspects in its custody with professionalism and respect but said such consideration should not be abused. It added that the commission remains committed to carrying out its duties within the law.
The agency also announced that Professor Bello Abubakar had been taken into custody for further investigation. It warned that it would not tolerate any attempt by individuals or groups to misuse the goodwill it extends while carrying out its legal responsibilities.