The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has accused former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai of violating the terms of a court-approved medical visit, alleging that he used the opportunity for activities outside the scope permitted by the court.
The commission also announced the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, over alleged false statements connected to the medical visit.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson and Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, the ICPC said the Kaduna State High Court had fixed July 6, 7 and 8, 2026, for the accelerated hearing of criminal charges against the former governor.
According to the commission, El-Rufai failed to appear in court on the first day of the hearing after refusing to accompany its officers, insisting that he wanted to see his personal physician.
The commission said its prosecution team informed the court that no prior request had been made for the medical consultation and that when questioned by the commission’s medical doctor, El-Rufai reportedly said he had no immediate medical complaints but was acting on the advice of his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his lawyers, to consult Professor Bello Abubakar.
Following the development, the court adjourned the case until 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 seeking the transfer of the case.
The ICPC said that despite the adjournment, it approved El-Rufai’s request to visit the private wing of the National Hospital in Abuja in compliance with the court’s directive and its obligation to respect the rights and welfare of persons in its custody.
The commission said its medical and security personnel remained outside the consultation room at the request of El-Rufai’s family while the attending oncologist examined him, describing the conduct of its officers as professional and respectful of his privacy.
However, it alleged that photographs later posted on Facebook by El-Rufai’s political associate, Isa Ashiru Kudan, showed the former governor receiving several visitors, including Professor Bello Abubakar, during the period approved solely for the medical consultation.
According to the commission, the photographs suggested that the hospital visit was used for purposes beyond what was authorised by the court and the ICPC.
“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 anti-graft agency stated that it would present the alleged breach before the court, maintaining that while it had treated El-Rufai and other suspects in its custody with professionalism and courtesy, its goodwill should not be abused.
The commission further disclosed that Professor Bello Abubakar had been taken into custody for further investigation, adding that it remains committed to operating within the law and would not tolerate any abuse of its processes.