The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested Prof. Bello Abubakar, personal physician to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over the alleged abuse of a court-approved medical visit.

The commission’s spokesperson, John Odey, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to Odey, Prof. Abubakar was taken into custody for allegedly making false statements in connection with a medical visit granted to El-Rufai at the private wing of the National Hospital, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He explained that the visit was approved by the court on the understanding that El-Rufai would receive medical treatment.

However, the commission said photographs later posted on social media by Isa Kudan, described as a political associate of the former governor, showed El-Rufai meeting with Prof. Abubakar and other individuals during the period designated for the medical consultation.

According to the ICPC, the photographs suggested that the hospital visit was used for activities beyond the scope approved by the court, amounting to an abuse of the court’s goodwill and a violation of its order.

Odey stated that the Kaduna State High Court had fixed July 6, 7 and 8 for the accelerated hearing of the criminal charges pending against El-Rufai, who is currently in the commission’s custody.

He said that on the first day of the proceedings, the former governor did not appear before the court.

According to the commission, the prosecution informed the court that El-Rufai refused to be conveyed for the hearing, insisting instead on seeing his personal physician.

The prosecution also stated that no prior request for a medical consultation had been made to the ICPC. Furthermore, when questioned by the commission’s medical doctor, El-Rufai reportedly said he had no immediate medical complaint.

Odey added that El-Rufai allegedly stated that his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his legal representatives, requested that he be allowed to see Prof. Abubakar.

Following arguments by counsel, the court adjourned the case until July 15 to hear an application seeking the trial judge’s recusal and to await the directive of the Chief Judge on a petition requesting the transfer of the case.

Despite the adjournment, the ICPC said it facilitated the medical visit in compliance with the court’s directive and in fulfilment of its obligation to respect the rights and welfare of persons in custody.

According to the statement, the hospital visit took place on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the private wing of the National Hospital, FCT.

The commission maintained that its medical and security personnel conducted themselves professionally and respected the defendant’s privacy throughout the visit.

Odey said that, at the request of El-Rufai’s family, ICPC officers remained outside the consultation room while the attending oncologist was expected to examine the former governor.

However, the commission said it was later confronted with Facebook photographs posted at about 2:00 p.m. by Isa Ashiru Kudan, allegedly showing El-Rufai in a meeting rather than undergoing medical consultation.

The photographs reportedly showed Prof. Abubakar, Kudan, and three other individuals with El-Rufai at the time the consultation was expected to be taking place.

According to the commission, the images indicated that the court-approved medical visit had been used for activities outside its authorised purpose, describing the development as a clear violation of the court order.

While noting that the ICPC had remained patient, professional, and courteous in its handling of El-Rufai and other suspects in its custody, Odey warned that such courtesies had been abused and would no longer be tolerated.

He added that Prof. Abubakar had been taken into custody for allegedly making false statements and to assist with ongoing investigations.

The commission also stated that it would draw the alleged breach of the court order to the attention of the court and reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out its responsibilities in accordance with the law.