By Abigail David
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has alleged that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai violated the conditions of a court-approved medical visit while in its custody, announcing the arrest of his personal physician, Prof. Bello Abubakar, over alleged false statements.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, John Odey, the commission said it facilitated El-Rufai’s hospital visit in compliance with a court order and its obligation to safeguard the welfare of persons in custody.
According to the ICPC, El-Rufai failed to appear before the Kaduna State High Court on the first day of his scheduled trial after declining to accompany operatives to court, insisting on seeing his personal doctor despite reportedly informing the commission’s medical team that he had no immediate health complaints.
The anti-graft agency said it approved the medical consultation despite the adjournment of the case but later discovered photographs allegedly showing El-Rufai receiving several visitors during the hospital visit, which it claimed exceeded the scope of the court-approved medical appointment.
The commission described the development as a violation of the court’s directive and said it would bring the matter to the court’s attention. It also confirmed that Prof. Bello Abubakar had been taken into custody for further investigation.
Earlier, Justice Darius Khobo adjourned proceedings until July 15 to await the decision of the Chief Judge of Kaduna State on an application seeking the transfer of El-Rufai’s case to another judge.
El-Rufai is facing a nine-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office, fraud, money laundering, irregular contract awards and unlawful handling of public funds during his tenure as governor. He has pleaded not guilty and maintains that the charges are politically motivated.
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) accused the Federal Government of politically persecuting the former governor, alleging that ICPC officials denied him adequate medical treatment, arrested his personal physician and assaulted his wife during the hospital visit.
The party called for unrestricted access to medical care, family members and legal representatives, insisting that El-Rufai’s constitutional rights should be respected.
Speaking separately, El-Rufai’s wife, Hajiya Asia El-Rufai, appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure her husband receives fair treatment. She said the family was not asking the President to interfere with the judicial process but to ensure that El-Rufai enjoys his constitutional rights, including access to medical care, legal counsel and reasonable bail conditions pending the conclusion of his trial.
