The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences
Commission (ICPC) has confirmed the arrest of Professor Bello Abubakar, the
personal physician of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, over
allegations that he made false statements following the ex-governor’s
court-approved hospital visit.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the commission’s
spokesperson, Okor Odey, the ICPC said El-Rufai was taken to the private wing
of the National Hospital, Abuja, on July 7 for medical consultation under
security arrangements approved by the court.
The anti-graft agency said its medical and security
personnel conducted themselves professionally and respected the former
governor’s privacy by remaining outside the consultation room while he was
being examined by an oncologist.
However, the commission alleged that the hospital visit was
used for activities outside the medical purpose approved by the court.
According to the ICPC, a Facebook post by Kaduna State
African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Isa Ashiru Kudan,
showed photographs of himself, Professor Abubakar and three others meeting with
El-Rufai during the period he was expected to be receiving medical treatment.
“The images and post by Isa Kudan 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 commission said.
The ICPC added that the professional courtesies extended to
the former governor had been repeatedly abused.
It said Professor Abubakar was arrested for allegedly making
false statements and has been taken into custody as investigations continue.
The latest development comes days after the Kaduna High
Court rejected El-Rufai’s third application for bail in his ongoing trial on a
nine-count charge filed by the ICPC.
Justice Darius Khobo ruled that the medical report presented
by the former governor could not support his bail request because the National
Hospital, Abuja, had disowned the document.
Despite refusing bail, the court ordered the ICPC to allow
El-Rufai unrestricted access to his personal doctors and permit them to take
him to any specialised diagnostic or clinical facility of his choice within
Nigeria while his trial continues.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com