The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has accused former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, of breaching the terms of a court-sanctioned medical visit while in custody. In a related development, the anti-graft agency announced the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, for allegedly providing false statements.

According to a statement released by ICPC spokesperson and Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, the commission had facilitated the medical visit to honor a court directive and uphold its statutory duty to respect the welfare and rights of detainees.

Court Delays and Medical Demands

The Kaduna State High Court had scheduled an accelerated hearing from July 6 to July 8, 2026, for criminal charges against the former governor. However, El-Rufai failed to appear on the opening day. The ICPC prosecution team informed the court that El-Rufai refused to accompany officers to the proceedings, demanding instead to see his personal doctor.

The commission noted that no prior request for a medical consultation had been submitted. Furthermore, when questioned by an ICPC medical officer, El-Rufai reportedly admitted to having no immediate health complaints but stated the request was made by his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who also serves as part of his legal counsel.

Consequently, the court adjourned the case until July 15, 2026. This extension allows time to hear an application for the trial judge's recusal and to await a decision from the Chief Judge of Kaduna State regarding a petition to transfer the case. Despite the adjournment, the ICPC proceeded to approve the medical visit.

Alleged Breach of Custody Protocols

The medical examination took place on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the private wing of the National Hospital in the Federal Capital Territory. The ICPC stated that its medical and security personnel maintained professionalism and privacy by waiting outside the examination room at the request of the family while an oncologist evaluated the former governor.

However, the commission later discovered social media posts on Facebook by a political associate, Isa Ashiru Kudan. The posts featured photographs of El-Rufai hosting multiple visitors, including Professor Abubakar, during the time set aside strictly for his medical consultation.

The ICPC declared this a explicit violation of the court order, stating that the approved medical visit was used for unauthorized activities. The agency emphasized that while it has managed El-Rufai and other detainees with patience and courtesy, its goodwill had been compromised.

Legal Repercussions and Arrest

The anti-graft agency announced that it intends to formally present this disobedience of court orders before the judiciary, warning that its humane approach should not be exploited.

As a direct consequence of the incident, El-Rufai's personal physician, Professor Abubakar, has been taken into custody for further investigation regarding his statements. The ICPC reiterated its commitment to operating strictly within legal frameworks and stressed that it will not tolerate the abuse of its regulatory goodwill under any circumstances.