The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed the arrest of Professor Bello Abubakar, the personal physician to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations that he made false statements following the ex-governor’s court-approved hospital visit.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the commission’s spokesperson, Okor Odey, disclosed that El-Rufai was taken to the private wing of the National Hospital Abuja on July 7 for medical consultation under security arrangements approved by the court.
According to the ICPC, both its medical and security personnel conducted themselves professionally throughout the visit, respecting the former governor’s privacy by remaining outside the consultation room while he was examined by an oncologist.
However, the anti-graft agency alleged that the hospital visit was used for activities beyond the medical purpose authorised by the court.
The commission said a Facebook post by Isa Ashiru Kudan, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Kaduna State, showed photographs of himself, Professor Abubakar and three other individuals meeting with El-Rufai during the period designated for his medical consultation.
“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 stated.
The ICPC further alleged that the professional courtesies extended to the former governor had been repeatedly abused.
It added that Professor Abubakar was arrested for allegedly making false statements and has since been taken into custody as investigations continue.
The development comes just days after the Kaduna High Court rejected El-Rufai’s third application for bail in his ongoing trial on a nine-count charge instituted by the ICPC.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Darius Khobo held that the medical report presented by the former governor could not support his bail application because the National Hospital, Abuja, had disowned the document.
Although the court declined to grant bail, it directed the ICPC to allow El-Rufai unrestricted access to his personal doctors and permit them to take him to any specialised diagnostic or clinical facility of his choice within Nigeria while his trial continues.
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