The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has accused former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, of violating conditions attached to a court-approved medical visit while in the commission’s custody.
In a statement on Tuesday, the anti-graft agency said it approved the medical visit in compliance with a court directive but later discovered that the exercise allegedly involved activities beyond the scope of the approval.
The ICPC alleged that photographs shared on Facebook by one of El-Rufai’s political associates showed the former governor meeting with visitors, including his personal physician, during the period set aside for medical consultation.
The commission said it had arrested El-Rufai’s personal doctor, Prof. Bello Abubakar, over alleged false statements, adding that it would inform the court about what it described as a violation of its conditions.
The development followed El-Rufai’s failure to appear before the Kaduna State High Court on Monday for the continuation of his trial. The court adjourned proceedings until July 15 to hear his application seeking the recusal of the trial judge and await the decision of the Chief Judge of Kaduna State on a request to transfer the case.
The ICPC said its officers had acted professionally during the medical visit at the private wing of the National Hospital, Abuja, and allowed family members and the doctor access to the former governor while maintaining security arrangements.
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Federal Government of political persecution, alleging that El-Rufai was denied adequate medical care and that his physician was arrested.
The party called for El-Rufai’s access to medical treatment, family members and legal representatives, while his wife, Asia El-Rufai, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure her husband receives fair treatment.
El-Rufai is facing a nine-count charge by the ICPC bordering on alleged abuse of office, fraud, money laundering, unlawful handling of public funds and irregular award of contracts during his tenure as Kaduna governor. He has pleaded not guilty and described the charges as politically motivated.
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