The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested Professor Bello Abubakar, the personal physician to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, over allegations that a court-approved medical consultation was used for political activities.
The anti-graft agency announced the development in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Okor Odey.
According to the ICPC, el-Rufai was granted access to medical treatment under strict security arrangements in line with a court order, with officers ensuring his privacy during the consultation.
The commission said its officials remained outside the consultation room at the request of the former governor’s family while the attending doctor examined him.
However, the ICPC alleged that the visit later turned into a political meeting after Isa Ashiru Kudan, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Kaduna State, shared photographs on Facebook showing himself, Professor Bello Abubakar and others with el-Rufai.
The commission argued that the images suggested the medical visit was used for purposes beyond what the court had approved.
“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 said.
The ICPC also accused Professor Bello Abubakar of making false statements regarding the visit.
“Professor Bello Abubakar has been arrested for making false statements… and has been taken into custody for further investigation,” the statement added.
The development comes days after a Kaduna High Court dismissed el-Rufai’s latest bail application in his ongoing trial.
In its ruling, the court directed the ICPC to grant the former governor unrestricted access to his personal doctors and allow him to seek treatment at any specialised medical facility within Nigeria while the trial continues.
