ICPC Arrests Nasir El-Rufai's Doctor After Disputed Hospital Visit

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arrested Professor Bello Abubakar, the personal physician of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, for allegedly making false statements. The arrest followed a July 7 medical visit to the National Hospital in Abuja, which the ICPC claims El-Rufai abused to hold a political meeting. The commission cited Facebook photographs posted by political associate Isa Ashiru Kudan as evidence that the visit was a "clear violation" of a court order.

Nasir El-Rufai, who faces nine counts of fraud, money laundering, and abuse of office, rejected these allegations through his media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye. El-Rufai's camp argued that a court order from April 2026 guarantees his right to medical care and does not restrict visitors. They further asserted that El-Rufai missed a July 6 court appearance in Kaduna due to deteriorating health and the ICPC's prior denial of access to his physician.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) condemned the arrest as political persecution by the administration of President Bola Tinubu. The party alleged that ICPC operatives assaulted El-Rufai's wife and denied the former governor necessary medical admission. The ADC issued an ultimatum demanding a review of El-Rufai's bail conditions and unrestricted access for his legal and medical teams. Meanwhile, Asiya El-Rufai appealed directly to President Tinubu for leniency and the restoration of her husband's constitutional rights.