The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has alleged that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, violated the terms of a court-approved medical visit while in its custody.
The anti-graft agency also announced the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, over allegations of making false statements during the course of its investigation.
The commission disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson and Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey.
According to the ICPC, it approved El-Rufai’s medical visit in compliance with a court order and in line with its responsibility to uphold the rights and welfare of persons in its custody.
The commission said the Kaduna State High Court had scheduled July 6, 7 and 8, 2026, for the accelerated hearing of criminal charges against the former governor, but he failed to appear when proceedings commenced on July 6.
The ICPC explained that its prosecution team informed the court that officers sent to escort El-Rufai to the courtroom were told he would not attend because he wanted to see his personal physician.
It further stated that no prior request had been submitted to the commission for the medical consultation and that its in-house medical doctor had reported that El-Rufai did not complain of any urgent health condition, but said his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his lawyers, had requested that he consult Professor Abubakar.
Following the development, the court adjourned the case to July 15, 2026, to hear El-Rufai’s application seeking the trial judge’s recusal and to await the decision of the Kaduna State Chief Judge on a petition requesting the transfer of the case.
Despite the adjournment, the commission said it honoured the court’s directive by facilitating the medical visit at the private wing of the National Hospital in Abuja on Tuesday.
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According to the ICPC, its medical and security personnel maintained professionalism throughout the visit and respected El-Rufai’s privacy by remaining outside the consultation room at the request of his family members while he was being examined by the attending oncologist.
However, the commission alleged that photographs later shared on Facebook by El-Rufai’s political associate, Isa Ashiru Kudan, showed the former governor receiving several visitors, including Professor Abubakar, during the period approved solely for medical consultation.
The ICPC argued that the images suggested the visit was used for activities beyond the scope permitted by the court and the commission.
Describing the development as a violation of the court’s directive, the agency said it would bring the matter before the court, adding that its professionalism and humane treatment of suspects should not be taken for granted.
The commission also confirmed that Professor Bello Abubakar had been taken into custody for further investigation over alleged false statements.
The ICPC reaffirmed its commitment to operating within the law and warned that it would not tolerate any abuse of the privileges granted to persons in its custody.