The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai’s personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, for allegedly making false statements over a court-approved medical visit.
The commission also accused El-Rufai and the doctor of abusing the privilege of the medical visit and violating a court order.
In a statement on Tuesday by its spokesperson, J. Okor Odey, the ICPC said El-Rufai failed to appear before the Kaduna State High Court on Monday for the commencement of his accelerated trial, insisting on seeing his personal doctor instead.
The anti-graft agency said it complied with the court’s directive by escorting the former governor to the private wing of the National Hospital, Abuja, under security arrangements.
However, the commission alleged that the visit was abused after photographs posted on social media showed El-Rufai meeting with political associates during the period approved for medical consultation.
According to the ICPC, the photographs, posted by Isa Ashiru Kudan, showed Professor Bello Abubakar and others with the former governor, indicating that the visit was used for activities outside the scope of the court’s order.
“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 statement said.
The commission said it has arrested Professor Bello Abubakar for allegedly making false statements and that he is currently in custody for further investigation.
It added that it would report the alleged breach to the court and warned that it would no longer tolerate any abuse of its goodwill while reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law.
