ADC, ICPC Trade Claims Over El-Rufai’s Hospital Visit, Doctor’s Arrest

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have offered conflicting accounts over the medical visit of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who is currently in the custody of the anti-graft agency.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC alleged that ICPC officials prevented El-Rufai from receiving adequate medical care during a hospital visit to the National Hospital, Abuja, assaulted his wife, and arrested his personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar.
The opposition party claimed doctors at the hospital recommended that El-Rufai be admitted because of his health condition, but alleged that ICPC officials insisted on returning him to custody. It further described the development as political persecution and demanded unrestricted access to his family, lawyers, and personal medical team, as well as a review of his bail conditions.
The ADC also called for transparency from the ICPC and accused the Federal Government of using anti-corruption agencies to intimidate political opponents.
Responding, the ICPC rejected the allegations and maintained that it acted strictly within the law and in compliance with court directives.
According to the Commission, the Kaduna State High Court had fixed July 6 to 8, 2026, for the accelerated hearing of criminal charges against El-Rufai. However, the former governor did not appear in court on the first day, insisting on consulting his personal physician.
The Commission said it subsequently facilitated the hospital visit under appropriate security arrangements. It alleged, however, that the medical appointment was used for purposes outside the court’s approval after photographs surfaced on social media showing El-Rufai meeting with political associates during the visit.
ICPC said the images suggested that the hospital visit had been turned into a political meeting, which it described as a violation of the court order under which the medical consultation was approved.
The Commission further disclosed that Professor Bello Abubakar was arrested for allegedly making false statements and said it would bring what it described as the defendant’s violation of court orders to the attention of the court.
While the ADC alleged that El-Rufai’s wife was assaulted during the incident, the ICPC made no reference to any assault and insisted its officers conducted themselves professionally throughout the hospital visit.
The conflicting accounts have heightened public attention on the ongoing legal proceedings involving the former Kaduna governor, with both sides standing by their respective versions of events.