THE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has accused former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, of breaching the conditions of a court-approved medical visit while in the agency’s custody.
In a statement issued yesterday by its spokesperson, John Odey, the commission said it granted El-Rufai access to medical care in compliance with a court order and its obligation to safeguard the welfare of detainees.
The ICPC however, alleged that the medical visit was used for activities beyond the scope approved by the court.
According to the commission, El-Rufai failed to appear before the Kaduna State High Court on July 6, the first day of his scheduled accelerated trial, after requesting to see his personal physician, Prof. Bello Abubakar.
The ICPC claimed that the former governor had not previously requested the consultation and reportedly told its medical personnel that he had no immediate health complaints, adding that the visit was at the request of his wife, Aisha El-Rufai, who is also one of his lawyers.
The anti-graft agency said it nonetheless approved the hospital visit after the court adjourned proceedings to July 15. It stated that its officers remained outside the consultation room to respect El-Rufai’s privacy during the examination.
The commission, however, alleged that photographs later shared on social media by one of El-Rufai’s political associates showed the former governor receiving several visitors, including his personal physician, during the hospital visit.
The ICPC argued that the development amounted to a violation of the court-approved arrangement and said it would bring the matter before the court.
The agency also announced the arrest of Prof. Bello Abubakar, accusing him of making false statements during the course of its investigation. It maintained that it would continue to operate within the law while taking action against any abuse of its goodwill.
Earlier today, the Kaduna State High Court postponed further proceedings until July 15 to await the decision of the state’s Chief Judge on an application seeking the transfer of the case to another judge.
Justice Darius Khobo ruled that although the law allows criminal proceedings to continue where a defendant deliberately fails to appear, the court would first await the Chief Judge’s directive on the pending petition.
El-Rufai is facing an amended nine-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office, fraud, money laundering, irregular contract awards and unlawful handling of public funds during his tenure as Kaduna State governor. He has pleaded not guilty and insists the charges are politically motivated.
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) accused the Federal Government of politically persecuting the former governor.
The opposition party alleged that ICPC officials denied El-Rufai adequate medical care, assaulted his wife and arrested his personal physician, describing the situation as an attack on constitutional rights and democratic principles.
El-Rufai’s wife, Aisha, also appealed to Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure her husband receives fair treatment.
She alleged that he has been denied proper medical attention and access to his family and lawyers, while stressing that the family is seeking only the constitutional rights guaranteed to every Nigerian as the trial continues.
