Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has strongly refuted claims made by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) alleging that he violated a court order concerning medical visits. In a statement released yesterday by his Media Adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai emphasized that he acted within his rights as per an existing court directive.
The ICPC had issued a statement on July 7, accusing El-Rufai and his personal physician, Prof. Bello Abubakar, of misusing the privilege of a court-approved medical visit. In response, El-Rufai demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Abubakar, who was arrested by the agency for allegedly providing false statements.
El-Rufai’s statement clarified that his absence from court on July 6 was due to an unresolved medical condition rather than an attempt to evade legal proceedings. He asserted that Abubakar had visited the ICPC facility the previous week but was denied timely access to his patient, leading to a formal request for a consultation at the National Hospital in Abuja on July 7.
The statement detailed that El-Rufai’s family had communicated with the hospital prior to learning about the July 6 court session. It stated, “It was against this background… that the scheduled trip to Kaduna on July 6 became untenable.” His legal team further highlighted that the ICPC was aware of El-Rufai’s medical conditions and thus erred in suggesting he was avoiding court.
El-Rufai’s camp contested the ICPC’s allegations that he breached a court order, insisting that the only relevant order was issued by Justice R. M. Aikawa on April 1, 2026, which guaranteed him access to medical care while in custody. “The only order in existence… does not regulate or impose conditions on who may see or be seen by him,” the statement asserted.
The rebuttal also criticized the ICPC for rescheduling a previously arranged 5 p.m. appointment to 10 a.m. without notice, claiming this change attracted unnecessary public attention. El-Rufai reportedly waited in a public area for about an hour while officials prepared a required medical report.
In addressing the ICPC’s claims, El-Rufai stated that access to medical care is a recognized right under the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, commonly known as the Nelson Mandela Rules. He questioned the rationale behind Abubakar’s arrest, demanding clarification on the alleged false statements attributed to the physician.
“We call on the ICPC to specify what statement is alleged to be false and to provide details of its nature,” the statement urged. Additionally, El-Rufai dismissed the ICPC’s assertion that it would seek court sanctions against him, maintaining that no court directives had been violated.
He concluded, “Malam El-Rufai will continue to assert his right to a fair trial, his right to medical care of his choosing, and his right to be treated in accordance with the standards guaranteed by law.”
