The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested Professor Bello Abubakar, the personal physician of a former Governor of Kaduna State Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged false statements.
The anti-graft agency made the disclosure in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson and Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, alleging that El-Rufai breached the conditions attached to the hospital visit by receiving visitors during what was authorised strictly as a medical consultation.
According to the commission, the medical visit was approved in compliance with a directive of the Kaduna State High Court and in fulfilment of its statutory responsibility to safeguard the rights and welfare of suspects in its custody.
The anti-graft Commission said the Kaduna State High Court had fixed July 6, 7 and 8, 2026, for the accelerated hearing of criminal charges against El-Rufai. However, proceedings were stalled on the opening day after the former governor allegedly refused to leave custody for court, insisting on first seeing his personal physician.
According to the Commission, the prosecution team informed the court that no prior request had been made for such a consultation. It further claimed that when examined by the its medical doctor, El-Rufai said he had no immediate medical complaints but explained that his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also a member of his legal team, had requested that he be allowed to consult Professor Abubakar.
Following the development, the trial court adjourned proceedings until July 15, 2026, to hear El-Rufai’s application seeking the recusal of the trial judge and to await the decision of the Chief Judge of Kaduna State on a petition requesting the transfer of the case.
Despite the adjournment, the ICPC said it honoured the court’s directive by facilitating the hospital visit at the private wing of the National Hospital, Abuja, on Tuesday.
The commission stated that its medical and security personnel remained outside the consultation room at the request of El-Rufai’s family to ensure the privacy of the medical examination.
However, it alleged that photographs later posted on Facebook by one of El-Rufai’s political associates, Isa Ashiru Kudan, showed the former governor receiving several visitors, including Professor Abubakar, during the period set aside for the medical consultation.
“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 commission stated.
The ICPC said it considered the incident a breach of the terms under which the medical visit was granted and vowed to bring the matter before the court.
It also announced the arrest of Professor Abubakar, alleging that he made false statements in connection with the incident.
“At this moment, Professor Bello Abubakar, El-Rufai’s personal physician, has been taken into custody for further investigation”, the statement said.
The commission maintained that it had handled El-Rufai and other suspects in its custody with professionalism, patience and respect for their rights, but warned that it would not tolerate any abuse of the concessions extended to detainees.
It added that it remains committed to carrying out its mandate within the bounds of the law while ensuring that court orders and the integrity of its investigative processes are fully respected.