The ICPC says Facebook photographs taken during Nasir El-Rufai’s court-approved medical visit exposed an alleged breach of a court order, leading to the arrest of his personal physician
ICPC Alleges Facebook Photos Exposed Court Order Breach, Arrests El-Rufai’s Personal Doctor
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says photographs posted on Facebook during a court-approved medical visit by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, exposed what it described as a breach of a court order, leading to the arrest of his personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the anti-graft agency said El-Rufai, who is in its custody and is facing criminal charges before the Kaduna State High Court, failed to appear on the first day of his accelerated trial after insisting on seeing his personal doctor.
According to the Commission, its officers had concluded arrangements to take the former governor to court, but he declined and requested to consult Professor Abubakar instead.
The ICPC said its own medical doctor examined El-Rufai and asked whether he had any immediate medical complaints. It said the former governor reportedly stated that he had none and explained that his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his lawyers, requested that he be allowed to see his personal physician.
The Commission said it nonetheless complied with the court’s directive by facilitating the medical visit under security at the private wing of the National Hospital, Abuja.
However, the agency alleged that while El-Rufai was expected to be undergoing medical consultation, photographs posted on Facebook by one of his political associates, Isa Ashiru Kudan, showed him receiving visitors, including Professor Abubakar.
“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 it had “been very patient, professional, and courteous” in its handling of El-Rufai and other suspects in its custody, but warned that “these professional courtesies have been abused and will therefore no longer be tolerated.”
It said it would formally bring the alleged breach to the attention of the court, insisting that “the professional and humane nature of the ICPC should not be taken for granted.”
The Commission also announced the arrest of Professor Abubakar, alleging that he made false statements during its investigation.
“At this moment, Professor Bello Abubakar, El-Rufai’s personal physician, has been taken into custody for further investigation,” the statement added.
The Kaduna State High Court had earlier adjourned proceedings in the case until July 15, 2026, to hear El-Rufai’s application seeking the trial judge’s recusal and to await the directive of the state’s Chief Judge on a pending petition requesting the transfer of the case.
