The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed the arrest of Professor Bello Abubakar, the personal physician of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations that he made false statements following the ex-governor’s court-approved hospital visit.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the commission’s spokesperson, Okor Odey, the ICPC said El-Rufai was taken to the private wing of the National Hospital, Abuja, on July 7 for medical consultation under security arrangements approved by the court.
The anti-graft agency said its medical and security personnel conducted themselves professionally and respected the former governor’s privacy by remaining outside the consultation room while he was being examined by an oncologist.
However, the commission alleged that the hospital visit was used for activities outside the medical purpose approved by the court.
According to the ICPC, a Facebook post by Kaduna State African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Isa Ashiru Kudan, showed photographs of himself, Professor Abubakar and three others meeting with El-Rufai during the period he was expected to be receiving medical treatment.
“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 said.
The ICPC added that the professional courtesies extended to the former governor had been repeatedly abused.
It said Professor Abubakar was arrested for allegedly making false statements and has been taken into custody as investigations continue.
The latest development comes days after the Kaduna High Court rejected El-Rufai’s third application for bail in his ongoing trial on a nine-count charge filed by the ICPC.
Justice Darius Khobo ruled that the medical report presented by the former governor could not support his bail request because the National Hospital, Abuja, had disowned the document.
Despite refusing bail, the court ordered the ICPC to allow El-Rufai unrestricted access to his personal doctors and permit them to take him to any specialised diagnostic or clinical facility of his choice within Nigeria while his trial continues.
