Son of El-Rufai Accuses ICPC of Denying Doctor, Family Access in Detention

Mohammed Bello, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, has alleged that officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) blocked his father from receiving medical attention and family visits while in custody.

In a statement issued on Friday, Bello said ICPC officers refused entry to El-Rufai’s personal doctor despite a court order, insisting that written approval from the agency’s chairman was required before access could be granted.

He explained that the doctor visited the detention facility at about 3 p.m. to discuss medical test results for the former governor but was turned back by officials.

“Our father, Mallam Nasir, is still being held by the ICPC… the doctor was blocked from seeing him, with officials insisting on written permission from the ICPC Chairman,” the statement said.

Bello argued that the action amounted to a violation of a court order granting unrestricted access to medical care.

He further alleged that El-Rufai’s wife, Aichatou, was also denied entry to deliver food, reportedly due to a rule restricting deliveries after 6:30 p.m.

“This arbitrary rule is no less offensive than blocking his right to medical care,” he said.

The former governor’s son described the situation as an infringement on constitutional rights and an abuse of administrative procedures.

“No lawful detention justifies denying medical access or refusing basic family care based on an arbitrary curfew fixed by the ICPC,” Bello stated.

El-Rufai has remained in ICPC custody since February 19 over alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023.

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