EL-RUFAI REJECTS ICPC CLAIMS, DEMANDS WITHDRAWAL OF ALLEGEDLY MISLEADING STATEMENT
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Mathew Confidence
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has dismissed allegations made against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, describing the anti-graft agency's July 7, 2026, statement as inaccurate, misleading, and a misrepresentation of the facts surrounding his medical treatment and court appearance.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Media Adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai's camp maintained that the former governor did not deliberately absent himself from the July 6 court proceedings. Instead, it said he was receiving medical attention for an unresolved health condition after efforts to secure access to his personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, had reportedly been frustrated while he remained in ICPC custody.
According to the statement, El-Rufai's family had formally requested that he be taken to the National Hospital, Abuja, for medical consultation on July 7. The request, it said, was communicated to the hospital before the family became aware that the court had fixed a sitting in Kaduna on the same day, insisting that there was no intention to disregard the judicial process.
The former governor's legal team further argued that the ICPC omitted crucial facts in its public statement, including an April 1, 2026, court order issued by Justice R.M. Aikawa, which allegedly guarantees El-Rufai unrestricted access to medical treatment while in custody. It maintained that the hospital visit did not violate any court directive and rejected claims that photographs taken during the visit amounted to contempt or a breach of judicial orders.
Responding to allegations that the hospital visit turned into a political gathering, El-Rufai's camp contended that the ICPC itself altered the scheduled appointment from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. According to the statement, the change in timing resulted in increased public interaction while the former governor waited for his medical report under the supervision of ICPC officials.
The statement also cited the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules), arguing that every detainee is entitled to timely medical care and, where appropriate, access to a physician of their choice. It described these rights as internationally recognised protections rather than privileges granted at the discretion of detention authorities.
On the reported arrest of Professor Bello Abubakar, El-Rufai's legal team called on the ICPC to publicly disclose the specific allegations against the physician. It also demanded his immediate and unconditional release, pending any formal charges, describing his continued detention as unjustified.
The former governor's camp further denied allegations that he disobeyed any court order, insisting that the only subsisting judicial directive required the ICPC to ensure he had unhindered access to appropriate medical care while in custody.
Concluding the statement, El-Rufai called on the ICPC to withdraw its July 7 press release, particularly the aspect alleging that he violated a court order. He reaffirmed his commitment to defending himself through lawful means while pursuing his constitutional rights to a fair trial, adequate medical treatment, and the protection of his fundamental rights under Nigerian law.
The latest exchange follows a public dispute between the ICPC and El-Rufai over events surrounding his medical visit and his absence from court. The anti-corruption agency had earlier alleged that the former governor breached court directives and sought to undermine ongoing legal proceedings, allegations that his legal team has consistently denied.
The disagreement has generated significant public attention, with legal observers and political stakeholders closely monitoring the case. Analysts note that the controversy is likely to intensify scrutiny of both the conduct of the prosecution and the protection of the rights of persons standing trial.
While the ICPC has maintained its position on the matter, El-Rufai's legal team insists that the commission's public narrative is incomplete and prejudicial. As of the time of filing this report, the commission had not publicly responded to the latest demand for a retraction.
The case is expected to return to court, where both parties will have the opportunity to present their arguments as the legal proceedings continue.
