The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has explained the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Professor Bello Abubakar, personal physician to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

The anti-graft agency said the doctor was arrested for allegedly making false statements after photographs surfaced showing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Isa Ashiru, and other visitors meeting with El-Rufai during a court-approved medical visit to the National Hospital, Abuja.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Demola Bakare, the commission said the incident raised concerns that the hospital visit may have been used for purposes beyond the medical consultation authorised by the court. According to the ICPC, El-Rufai was taken to the private wing of the National Hospital, Abuja, on July 7 under security arrangements approved by the Kaduna State High Court to enable him receive medical attention.

The commission said its security and medical personnel conducted themselves professionally throughout the exercise and respected the former governor’s privacy by remaining outside the consultation room while he was being examined by an oncologist. However, the agency said the situation took a different turn after a Facebook post by Isa Ashiru surfaced online.

According to the statement, the post contained photographs showing Ashiru, Professor Abubakar and three other individuals meeting with El-Rufai during the period he was expected to be undergoing medical consultation. The ICPC said the development suggested that the hospital visit had gone beyond the scope authorised by the court.

“The images and post by Isa Ashiru 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 statement said.

The commission added that Professor Abubakar was subsequently taken into custody for allegedly making false statements regarding the circumstances surrounding the visit. It further alleged that professional courtesies repeatedly extended to the former governor had been abused, making a thorough investigation necessary.

The ICPC, however, did not disclose the specific false statements allegedly made by the physician, stating that investigations were ongoing. The arrest adds a fresh dimension to the corruption case involving the former governor.

Efforts to obtain reactions from Professor Abubakar, El-Rufai or Isa Ashiru were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.