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, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
The dispute follows allegations by the ADC that the anti-graft agency denied El-Rufai adequate medical care while in custody, claims the ICPC has strongly denied.
In a statement issued by the ADC's National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party alleged that El-Rufai was taken to the National Hospital, Abuja, where doctors recommended that he be admitted due to his deteriorating health.
According to the ADC, ICPC officials rejected the medical advice and insisted on returning the former governor to custody. The party further claimed that protests by El-Rufai's wife and personal physician over the decision led to a confrontation during which his wife was assaulted and his doctor was arrested.
The ADC also alleged that El-Rufai had been denied access to his family and personal physician despite a court order permitting such access. It described the situation as a violation of his constitutional rights, due process, and human dignity.
The party further accused President Bola Tinubu of being responsible for El-Rufai's continued detention, describing the former governor as a political prisoner.
However, the ICPC dismissed the allegations, maintaining that it acted within the law and in compliance with court directives.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, John Odey, the Commission said the Kaduna State High Court had scheduled accelerated hearings on criminal charges against El-Rufai for July 6, 7, and 8. It alleged that the proceedings could not commence because the former governor declined to leave custody for court, insisting instead on consulting his personal physician.
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According to the Commission, no prior request had been made for the consultation. It added that when questioned by its medical personnel, El-Rufai reportedly stated that he had no immediate medical complaints but wished to see his physician at the request of his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his legal counsels.
The ICPC said the court subsequently adjourned proceedings until July 15 to hear El-Rufai's application seeking the trial judge's recusal and to await a decision by the Kaduna State Chief Judge on a request to transfer the case. Despite the circumstances, the Commission said it facilitated El-Rufai's visit to the National Hospital in compliance with the court's directive and its responsibility to ensure the welfare of individuals in custody.
It explained that its medical and security personnel accompanied the former governor to the hospital's private wing and remained outside the consultation room while he was examined by an oncologist.
The Commission, however, alleged that concerns arose after photographs surfaced on Facebook showing El-Rufai with his personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, and three other individuals during the hospital visit.
According to the ICPC, the images were posted by El-Rufai's political associate, Isa Kudan, who stated that they had concluded a meeting with the former governor.
The Commission argued that the social media post suggested the hospital visit was used for activities beyond the scope of the court-approved medical consultation.
It also disclosed that Professor Bello Abubakar was arrested for allegedly making false statements and said the matter would be brought before the court.
The allegations and counter-allegations have further heightened public attention on the legal proceedings involving the former Kaduna State governor, with both sides maintaining sharply opposing accounts of the events surrounding his detention and medical visit.
