A dispute has erupted between the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over the treatment of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following a court-approved visit to the National Hospital in Abuja.
The opposition party accused the anti-corruption agency of disregarding medical advice and violating El-Rufai’s rights while he remains in custody. In contrast, the ICPC insisted that the former governor misused the hospital visit by engaging in activities that went beyond the purpose approved by the court.
In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC claimed that El-Rufai’s health had deteriorated, prompting his transfer to the National Hospital for medical attention. According to the party, doctors who attended to him advised that he should be admitted for further treatment, but the Commission allegedly ignored the recommendation and returned him to detention.
The party further alleged that tensions rose after El-Rufai’s wife and his personal physician objected to the decision. It claimed the disagreement resulted in his wife being physically assaulted, while his doctor was taken into custody by security officials.
The ADC described the incident as a serious breach of constitutional rights, arguing that El-Rufai has also been denied access to his family and personal physician despite an existing court order permitting such visits. It went on to accuse President Bola Tinubu’s administration of using state institutions to persecute a political opponent, insisting that the former governor is being held for political reasons rather than justice.
The ICPC, however, rejected the allegations, maintaining that it acted within the law and in compliance with the court’s directives.
According to the Commission’s spokesperson, John Odey, the Kaduna State High Court had fixed July 6, 7 and 8 for the accelerated hearing of criminal charges against El-Rufai. The agency said the proceedings were delayed after the former governor allegedly refused to leave custody for court, requesting instead to see his personal physician.
The Commission stated that no prior application had been submitted for such a consultation. It added that after being examined by an ICPC medical officer, El-Rufai reportedly said he had no urgent health complaint but wanted to meet his doctor at the request of his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his lawyers.
The anti-graft agency said the court later adjourned the matter to July 15 to consider El-Rufai’s application seeking the withdrawal of the trial judge and to await the Kaduna State Chief Judge’s decision on a request to transfer the case.
Despite the circumstances, the Commission said it facilitated the hospital visit in line with the court order and ensured that both medical and security personnel accompanied El-Rufai throughout the exercise. It said he was examined by an oncologist at the hospital’s private wing while security officers waited outside the consultation room.
The ICPC said concerns arose after photographs surfaced online showing El-Rufai meeting with his physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, and three other individuals. The images were reportedly shared on Facebook by his associate, Isa Kudan, who suggested they had held a meeting with the former governor.
According to the Commission, the photographs indicated that the hospital visit was used for purposes outside the medical consultation authorised by the court. It subsequently arrested Professor Bello Abubakar over alleged false statements and said the matter would be brought before the court for further action.
