The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has accused former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, of violating the conditions of a court-approved medical visit while in its custody.
In a related development, the Commission announced the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, for allegedly making false statements.
The ICPC spokesperson, John Odey, disclosed these developments in a statement on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. According to the Commission, the breach occurred during an arranged medical consultation at the private wing of the National Hospital, Abuja.
The Commission stated that it facilitated the medical visit in compliance with a Kaduna State High Court directive. To ensure privacy, ICPC security and medical teams remained outside the consultation room while El-Rufai was purportedly being examined by an oncologist.
However, the agency later discovered photographs posted on Facebook by a political associate, Isa Ashiru Kudan, showing the former governor hosting several visitors during the time slated for the medical examination.
“The images and posts by Isa Kudan indicated that the arranged medical visit was utilized 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 Professor Bello Abubakar has been taken into custody for further investigation regarding his role and statements during the incident.
The controversy follows El-Rufai’s failure to appear in court on Monday, July 6, for the start of an accelerated hearing on criminal charges against him.
The ICPC prosecution team informed the court that when officers arrived to convey the former governor to the proceedings, he refused to go, insisting on seeing his personal physician. The Commission noted that its own medical staff found no immediate medical emergency, but that the defendant claimed his wife and legal counsel, Asia El-Rufai, had requested the consultation.
Following the delay, the court adjourned the matter until July 15, 2026. This adjournment will allow for the hearing of an application seeking the trial judge’s recusal and the outcome of a petition to the Chief Judge of Kaduna State to transfer the case.
The anti-graft agency emphasized that while it remains committed to respecting the rights and welfare of persons in its custody, it would not tolerate the abuse of its professional conduct.
“The ICPC will bring this flagrant disobedience of court orders to the attention of the courts. Our professional and humane nature should not be taken for granted,” the statement added.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to operating within the rule of law while warning that any attempt to undermine its procedures under the guise of medical necessity would be met with legal consequences.
