By Luminous Jannamike
ABUJA — The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Tuesday accused former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, of abusing a court-approved medical visit while in its custody.
The Commission said it would draw the court’s attention to what it described as a flagrant breach of the order that permitted the hospital trip.
The allegation marks a fresh twist in the criminal proceedings against the former governor, with the anti-graft agency claiming that a court-approved hospital visit was used for purposes beyond medical treatment.
The Commission said the development had also led to the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, for allegedly making false statements.
The account was contained in a statement by the ICPC’s Spokesperson and Head of Media and Public Communications, John Okor Odey, who outlined the events leading to the hospital visit, the agency’s concerns over what transpired there and the subsequent investigation.
According to the ICPC, the Kaduna State High Court had fixed July 6, 7 and 8 for the accelerated hearing of criminal charges against El-Rufai. Proceedings, however, did not commence after the former governor failed to appear in court on the opening day.
The statement said prosecutors informed the court that when officers arrived to convey El-Rufai from custody to the courtroom, he declined to accompany them, insisting he wanted to consult his personal physician.
The prosecution also informed the court that no prior request had been made for such a consultation. When questioned by the Commission’s medical doctor, El-Rufai reportedly said he had no immediate medical complaints but explained that his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his counsel, wanted him to see Professor Bello Abubakar.
The court subsequently adjourned proceedings until July 15 to hear El-Rufai’s application seeking the trial judge’s recusal and to await the directive of the Kaduna State Chief Judge on a pending petition seeking the transfer of the case.
“Notwithstanding the foregoing, and in full compliance with the court’s directives as well as its statutory obligation to respect the rights, dignity and welfare of persons in its custody, the Commission facilitated the defendant’s request to receive medical attention under appropriate security arrangements,” the statement said.
The Commission said its medical and security personnel accompanied El-Rufai to the private wing of the National Hospital, Abuja, on Tuesday and, at the request of his family, remained outside the consultation room while the attending oncologist examined him.
Questions arose, however, after photographs appeared on Facebook.
According to the ICPC, photographs posted at about 2 p.m. by El-Rufai’s political associate, Isa Ashiru Kudan, stated that ‘they had just concluded a meeting with El-Rufai,’ while the images also showed Professor Bello Abubakar and three other individuals with the former governor during what the Commission understood to be a 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 Commission said the development prompted the arrest of Professor Bello Abubakar.
“Professor Bello Abubakar has been arrested for making false statements. At this moment, Professor Bello Abubakar, El-Rufai’s personal physician, has been taken into custody for further investigation,” it said.
The ICPC said the incident had fundamentally changed its approach to managing suspects and defendants in custody.
“The ICPC has been very patient, professional and courteous in managing Mallam El-Rufai and other suspects and defendants in its custody. However, it has become very clear that these professional courtesies have been abused and will therefore no longer be tolerated.
“The ICPC will bring to the attention of the courts the flagrant disobedience of court orders by the defendant,” the anti-graft agency said.
The ICPC said the episode had brought an end to the latitude it had extended to suspects in its custody while reaffirming its commitment to operate within the law.
“The professional and humane nature of the ICPC should not be taken for granted,” the statement said.
