Amanze Chinonye
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested Professor Bello Abubakar, the personal physician to former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, over alleged false statements linked to a court-approved medical visit granted to the former governor, Prime Business Africa reports.
The arrest followed the Commission’s claim that the medical consultation was allegedly used for activities beyond the purpose approved by the Kaduna State High Court, raising fresh questions over compliance with court directives governing El-Rufai’s custody.
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In a statement issued by its spokesperson and Head of Media and Public Communications, J. Okor Odey, the ICPC said Professor Abubakar was taken into custody for further investigation after photographs emerged showing him and other individuals with El-Rufai during the hospital visit.
The Commission said the visit, which took place on Tuesday, July 7, at the private wing of the National Hospital, Abuja, was facilitated in line with the court’s directive and under appropriate security arrangements.
According to the ICPC, its medical and security personnel respected El-Rufai’s privacy during the consultation after members of his family requested that they remain outside the examination room.
The Commission, however, said it was later confronted with photographs posted on Facebook by El-Rufai’s political associate, Isa Ashiru Kudan, showing the former governor with Professor Abubakar, Kudan and three others at a time he was expected to be receiving medical attention.
The ICPC alleged that the development indicated that the approved medical visit was used for purposes outside the scope authorised by the court.
“Professor Bello Abubakar has been arrested for making false statements,” the Commission stated, adding that the doctor was being investigated over his role in the circumstances surrounding the visit.
The development comes amid an ongoing legal battle involving El-Rufai, who is facing criminal charges before the Kaduna State High Court. The court had earlier fixed July 6, 7 and 8, 2026, for an accelerated hearing of the case, but proceedings were stalled after the former governor reportedly declined to appear in court, citing the need to consult his personal physician.
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Following arguments by counsel, the court adjourned proceedings until July 15, 2026, to hear El-Rufai’s application seeking the recusal of the trial judge and to await the decision of the Kaduna State Chief Judge on a petition requesting the transfer of the case.
The ICPC said it would present what it described as a violation of the court-approved arrangement before the appropriate judicial authorities, while warning that professional courtesies extended to suspects in its custody must not be abused.
The arrest of Professor Abubakar introduces a new dimension to the proceedings, as the anti-corruption agency insists that medical privileges granted to detainees must remain strictly within the limits approved by the court.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
