The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has arrested Professor Bello Abubakar, the personal physician of former Kaduna State Governor over allegations of making false statements following a court-approved medical visit.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, ICPC spokesperson and head of media and public communications, John Okor Odey, said the Commission was concerned that the medical visit, approved in compliance with a court order, was allegedly used for activities outside its intended purpose.
According to the Commission, the had fixed July 6, 7 and 8, 2026, for the accelerated hearing of criminal charges against El-Rufai, however, the former governor failed to appear in court on the first day of proceedings.
The ICPC said its prosecution team informed the court that when officers prepared to convey El-Rufai from custody to the courtroom, he declined, insisting on consulting his personal physician.
The Commission added that no prior request for the medical consultation had been made and that its own medical doctor reported that El-Rufai had indicated he had no immediate medical complaints, but said his wife, Aisha El-Rufai, who is also one of his legal counsel, requested that he see Professor Abubakar.
Following submissions by counsel, the court adjourned proceedings until July 15, 2026, to hear El-Rufai’s application seeking the trial judge’s recusal and to await the decision of the Chief Judge of Kaduna State on a pending petition for the transfer of the case.
Despite the adjournment, the ICPC said it facilitated the defendant’s request to receive medical attention at the private wing of the under security arrangements, in line with the court’s directives and its obligation to respect the rights and welfare of persons in custody.
The Commission stated that while its medical and security personnel remained outside the consultation room at the request of El-Rufai’s family, it later discovered photographs posted on Facebook by one of the former governor’s political associates, Isa Ashiru Kudan, showing that a meeting had allegedly taken place during the hospital visit.
According to the ICPC, the photographs featured El-Rufai, Professor Abubakar, Isa Kudan and three other individuals, suggesting that the hospital visit was used for purposes beyond the medical consultation authorised by the court.
The anti-corruption agency described the development as a “clear violation” of the court order and said it would draw the alleged breach to the attention of the court.
The Commission also announced the arrest of Professor Abubakar for allegedly making false statements and said he is currently in custody to assist ongoing investigations.
The ICPC maintained that it had treated El-Rufai and other suspects in its custody with professionalism and respect but warned that it would no longer tolerate any abuse of the courtesies extended by the Commission.
