ICPC Arrests El-Rufai's Personal Doctor Over Alleged False Statements During Court-Approved Hospital Visit

ICPC Arrests El-Rufai's Personal Doctor Over Alleged False Statements During Court-Approved Hospital Visit

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has explained why it arrested Professor Bello Abubakar, the personal physician to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, following a controversial hospital visit that has sparked fresh political and legal debate.

The anti-corruption agency said the professor was taken into custody for allegedly making false statements after photographs surfaced online showing African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate Isa Ashiru and several other visitors meeting with El-Rufai during what was supposed to be a strictly court-approved medical appointment at the National Hospital, Abuja.

Why Did the ICPC Arrest El-Rufai's Doctor?

In a statement issued by ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare, the commission said El-Rufai was granted permission by the Kaduna State High Court to receive medical treatment at the private wing of the National Hospital, Abuja, on July 7.

According to the commission, the visit was arranged under tight security solely to allow the former governor to consult an oncologist.

The ICPC stressed that its officers and medical personnel acted professionally throughout the exercise and respected El-Rufai's privacy by remaining outside the consultation room while the examination was ongoing.

Facebook Photos Trigger ICPC Investigation

The situation reportedly changed after Isa Ashiru shared photographs on Facebook showing himself, Professor Bello Abubakar, and three other individuals inside the hospital meeting with El-Rufai during the approved medical visit.

According to the commission, the images suggested that the hospital visit was used for activities beyond the medical consultation authorised by the court.

"The images and post by Isa Ashiru 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.

ICPC Alleges False Statements

Following the emergence of the photographs, the ICPC said Professor Bello Abubakar was arrested for allegedly making false statements concerning the circumstances surrounding the visit.

However, the commission did not reveal the exact nature of the alleged false statements, explaining that investigations are still ongoing.

The agency also claimed that professional courtesies repeatedly extended to the former Kaduna governor had been abused, making a comprehensive investigation necessary.

Investigation Continues

The arrest introduces a new twist to the ongoing corruption case involving Nasir El-Rufai, with investigators now examining whether the court-approved medical visit was misused for unauthorised meetings.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Professor Bello Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, nor Isa Ashiru had publicly responded to the allegations.

Key Highlights

ICPC arrested Professor Bello Abubakar, personal physician to Nasir El-Rufai.

The arrest followed allegations of false statements made during a court-approved hospital visit.

Facebook photos showed Isa Ashiru and other visitors meeting El-Rufai.

ICPC says the visit exceeded the medical purpose approved by the Kaduna State High Court.

Investigations are ongoing, with no official response yet from those involved.

Conclusion

The ICPC's latest action has intensified public attention on the legal proceedings involving former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. As investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the hospital visit, the outcome could have significant legal and political implications. Nigerians now await further findings from the anti-graft agency as the investigation unfolds.