How Facebook Photos Landed El-Rufai, His Doctor In Fresh Trouble With ICPC

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, on Tuesday alleged that photographs posted on Facebook during a court-approved medical visit by former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, exposed what it described as a violation of a court order, leading to the arrest of his personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar.

In a statement, the Commission said El-Rufai, who is in its custody and standing trial on criminal charges before the Kaduna State High Court, failed to appear in court on the first day of the accelerated hearing after insisting on seeing his personal doctor.

According to the ICPC, its officers had prepared to convey the former governor to court but he declined, requesting to consult Professor Abubakar.

The Commission said its medical doctor asked El-Rufai whether he had any immediate medical complaints, but he reportedly said he had none and explained that his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his lawyers, requested that he see his personal physician.

The anti-graft agency said that despite the development, it complied with the court’s directive by facilitating the medical visit under appropriate security arrangements at the private wing of the National Hospital, Abuja.

It, however, alleged that while El-Rufai was expected to be undergoing medical consultation, photographs posted on Facebook by one of his political associates, Isa Ashiru Kudan, showed him meeting with visitors, including Professor Abubakar.

“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 ICPC said it had “been very patient, professional, and courteous” in handling El-Rufai and other suspects in its custody but added that “these professional courtesies have been abused and will therefore no longer be tolerated.”

The Commission said it would draw the alleged breach to the attention of the court, insisting that “the professional and humane nature of the ICPC should not be taken for granted.”

It also announced the arrest of Professor Abubakar, alleging that he made false statements during the course of the matter.

“At this moment, Professor Bello Abubakar, El-Rufai’s personal physician, has been taken into custody for further investigation,” the statement added.

The Kaduna State High Court had earlier adjourned proceedings in the criminal case until July 15, 2026, to hear El-Rufai’s application seeking the trial judge’s recusal and to await the directive of the Chief Judge of Kaduna State on a pending petition for the transfer of the case.