ICPC Explains Arrests on El-Rufai’s Doctor
ICPC arrested Professor Bello Abubakar over alleged false statements following Nasir El-Rufai’s court-approved hospital visit during his trial.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested Professor Bello Abubakar, personal physician to former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations linked to a court-approved hospital visit.
According to the ICPC, Nasir El-Rufai visited the private wing of the National Hospital, Abuja, on 7 July for a medical consultation under security arrangements approved by the court. The commission said its medical and security officers acted professionally throughout the visit. They remained outside the consultation room while an oncologist examined the former governor to respect his privacy. However, the ICPC alleged that the hospital visit later went beyond its approved medical purpose.
The commission said a Facebook post by Isa Ashiru Kudan, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Kaduna State, included photographs showing himself, Professor Bello Abubakar, and three other individuals meeting with El-Rufai during the period set aside for medical treatment.
It stated, “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 also said the professional courtesies granted to the former governor had been repeatedly abused. As a result, investigators arrested Professor Bello Abubakar for allegedly making false statements. He remains in custody while the investigation continues.
The development follows a recent ruling by the Kaduna High Court, which rejected Nasir El-Rufai’s third bail application in his ongoing trial over a nine-count charge filed by the ICPC. Justice Darius Khobo ruled that the medical report presented in support of the application could not be accepted because the National Hospital, Abuja, had disowned the document.
Although the court refused bail, it directed the ICPC to allow El-Rufai unrestricted access to his personal doctors and permit treatment at any specialised diagnostic or clinical facility of his choice within Nigeria while the trial continues.
What impact could this latest development have on the ongoing legal proceedings involving Nasir El-Rufai?
