The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested Professor Bello Abubakar, the personal physician of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations that he made false statements linked to the former governor’s court-approved hospital visit. The development follows the ICPC investigation into events surrounding El-Rufai’s medical consultation in Abuja.
In a statement released on Tuesday, ICPC spokesperson Okor Odey explained that El-Rufai visited the private wing of the National Hospital, Abuja, on July 7 for medical treatment under security arrangements authorised by the court. The commission said its medical and security officers acted professionally and respected the former governor’s privacy by remaining outside the consultation room while an oncologist examined him.
However, the ICPC investigation alleged that the hospital visit went beyond the medical purpose approved by the court. According to the commission, a Facebook post by Isa Ashiru Kudan, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Kaduna State, displayed photographs showing himself, Professor Abubakar, and three others meeting with El-Rufai during the approved medical visit. The commission 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 commission also said the professional courtesies extended to the former governor had been repeatedly misused. As a result, it arrested Professor Abubakar for allegedly making false statements while investigators continue the ICPC investigation.
The latest action follows a recent ruling by the Kaduna High Court, where Justice Darius Khobo rejected El-Rufai’s third bail application in his ongoing trial involving a nine-count charge brought by the ICPC. The judge ruled that the medical report submitted could not support the request because the National Hospital, Abuja, had disowned the document. Even so, the court directed the ICPC to allow El-Rufai unrestricted access to his personal doctors and any specialised medical facility of his choice within Nigeria while the trial continues.
What impact do you think this ICPC investigation could have on the ongoing court case?
