The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has accused former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, of violating the terms of a court-approved medical visit, alleging that the privilege was used for an unauthorised meeting with political associates.
The Commission also announced the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, over alleged false statements made during the incident.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, J. Okor Odey, the ICPC said the Kaduna State High Court had fixed July 6, 7 and 8 for the accelerated hearing of criminal charges against El-Rufai but that the former governor did not appear in court on the first day of proceedings.
According to the Commission, El-Rufai declined to accompany its officers to court, insisting on consulting his personal doctor instead.
The ICPC said its medical personnel had asked El-Rufai whether he had any immediate health complaints, but he reportedly stated that he had none and explained that his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his lawyers, requested that he see his personal physician.
Following court proceedings, the Commission said it approved the medical visit in compliance with the court’s directive and under security supervision at the private wing of the National Hospital in Abuja.
The anti-corruption agency, however, alleged that while officers remained outside the consultation room to respect the defendant’s privacy, photographs later surfaced on Facebook showing El-Rufai meeting with political associate Isa Ashiru Kudan and others during the period designated for the medical consultation.
According to the ICPC, the photographs, posted at about 2 p.m. on Tuesday, also showed Professor Bello Abubakar and three other individuals with El-Rufai, contrary to the purpose for which the medical visit was approved.
The Commission described the development as a clear violation of the court order and an abuse of the professional courtesies extended to persons in its custody.
It said it would bring the alleged breach to the attention of the court and warned that it would no longer tolerate what it described as the abuse of its goodwill.
The ICPC also confirmed that Professor Bello Abubakar had been taken into custody for further investigation over alleged false statements.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to operating within the law while insisting it would not condone any attempt to undermine judicial orders or abuse privileges granted to suspects in its custody.
