El-Rufai Hospital Visit Triggers Fresh Face-Off Between ADC and ICPC

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have exchanged accusations over the hospital visit and detention conditions of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

The ADC alleged that El-Rufai was recently taken to the National Hospital, Abuja, where doctors recommended that he be admitted due to his worsening health. However, the party claimed that ICPC officials refused the recommendation and insisted on returning him to custody.

According to the ADC, the decision sparked a confrontation after El-Rufai’s wife and personal physician protested. The party alleged that his wife was assaulted during the incident, while his doctor was arrested.

The opposition party further accused the anti-graft agency of denying El-Rufai access to his family and personal physician despite a court order permitting such access. It described his continued detention as a violation of his constitutional rights and due process, blaming President Bola Tinubu for what it called the detention of a political prisoner.

In response, the ICPC dismissed the allegations, maintaining that El-Rufai had breached the conditions of a court-approved medical visit.

The Commission explained that the Kaduna State High Court had scheduled accelerated hearings for July 6, 7, and 8, but proceedings could not begin after El-Rufai reportedly declined to leave custody for court, insisting on seeing his personal physician instead.

According to the ICPC, no prior request for the consultation had been made. The Commission added that its medical personnel found no immediate medical complaint after examining El-Rufai, who reportedly said he wanted to see his doctor at the request of his wife.

Although the court later adjourned the case to July 15, the ICPC said it still facilitated the hospital visit in line with the court’s directive and its responsibility to ensure the welfare of persons in custody.

The Commission said its medical and security officials accompanied El-Rufai to the private wing of the National Hospital and remained outside while he was examined by an oncologist.

However, the ICPC alleged that photographs later shared on Facebook showed El-Rufai meeting with his personal physician and three other individuals during the visit. The images, posted by his political associate, Isa Kudan, reportedly suggested that the hospital visit was used for activities beyond the medical consultation approved by the court.

The Commission described the development as a violation of the court order, announced the arrest of Professor Bello Abubakar for allegedly making false statements, and said it would present the matter before the court.