The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has expressed concern over developments surrounding a court-approved medical visit granted to former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, who is currently in the Commission’s custody.
The Kaduna State High Court had fixed July 6, 7, and 8, 2026, for an accelerated hearing of the criminal charges pending against the defendant. On the first day of hearing, however, Mallam El-Rufai did not appear before the court.
During proceedings, the prosecution informed the court that when officers of the Commission prepared to convey the defendant to court, he declined to accompany them, insisting that he wished to consult his personal doctor.
The prosecution further informed the court that no prior request had been made to the Commission for such medical consultation and that, when asked by the Commission’s medical doctor, the defendant reportedly indicated that he had no immediate medical complaints but stated that his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his legal counsel, had requested that he see his personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar.
Following arguments by counsel, the court adjourned further proceedings until July 15, 2026, to hear the defendant’s application seeking the trial judge’s recusal and to await the directive of the Honourable Chief Judge of Kaduna State on the pending petition for transfer of the case.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, and in full compliance with the court’s directives as well as its statutory obligation to respect the rights, dignity and welfare of persons in its custody, the Commission facilitated the defendant’s request to receive medical attention under appropriate security arrangements.
During the hospital visit on Tuesday, 7th July, 2026, at the private wing of the National Hospital, FCT, officers of the Commission’s medical and security team conducted themselves professionally and respected the defendant’s privacy. At the request of members of his family, the officers remained outside the consultation room while the attending oncologist was purportedly examining him.
The Commission was, however, subsequently confronted with photographs posted on Facebook at 2:00 pm Nigerian time by one of his political associates, Isa Ashiru Kudan, stating categorically that they had just concluded a meeting with El Rufai. The picture posted on Facebook also had Professor Abubakar, Isa Kudan, and three others with El Rufai at a time he was supposedly having a medical consultation.
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 ICPC has been very patient, professional, and courteous in managing Mallam El-Rufai and other suspects and defendants in its custody. However, it has become very clear that these professional courtesies have been abused and will therefore no longer be tolerated.
The ICPC will bring to the attention of the Courts the flagrant disobedience of court orders by the defendant.
The professional and humane nature of the ICPC should not be taken for granted.
Professor Bello Abubakar has been arrested for making false statements.
At this moment, Professor Bello Abubakar, El Rufai’s personal physician, has been taken into custody for further investigation.
The ICPC reiterates its resolve to continue to operate within the ambit of the law at all times.
The Commission also wants to make it categorically clear that it will not tolerate, under any guise, the abuse of its goodwill by anybody or group of persons.
- Okor Odey
Spokesperson/Head, Media and Public Communications, ICPC
