The wife of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Asiya El-Rufai, has condemned the arrest of her husband’s personal physician, Prof. Bello Abubakar, describing it as a dangerous attempt to weaponise Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Wednesday, Asiya expressed concern that the detention of the doctor by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission could discourage medical professionals from offering independent medical opinions.
“The fact that we are weaponising healthcare is disturbing. If doctors become afraid to offer professional opinions, what does that say about our healthcare system? It is no longer just about Nasir El-Rufai; it is about professionals being intimidated,” she said.
Prof. Abubakar was reportedly arrested by the ICPC over allegations that he facilitated unauthorised political meetings disguised as medical consultations for the former governor.
Reacting to the allegation, Asiya insisted that her husband visited the hospital strictly for medical reasons in compliance with a court order granting him unrestricted access to healthcare.
She explained that the former governor had been receiving treatment from the physician for many years and accused authorities of frustrating his access to his preferred medical specialists.
According to her, photographs that circulated online and prompted the investigation merely showed El-Rufai waiting in the hospital reception to collect his medical report after consultation, where visitors and well-wishers approached him in a public area.
She also questioned claims that the visit was used to organise political meetings, arguing that El-Rufai had no access to a mobile phone while in custody and was only informed of the hospital appointment shortly before the visit.
The ICPC is yet to issue a fresh response to the allegations raised by the former Kaduna First Lady.
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