- ICPC asked the MDCN to investigate Professor Bello Abubakar
- The commission questioned a medical report submitted for El-Rufai’s bail
- The council is expected to determine whether disciplinary action is necessary
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has petitioned the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to investigate a senior oncologist, Professor Bello Abubakar, over a medical report submitted in support of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s bail application.
In a petition addressed to the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Investigation Panel, the anti-corruption agency called for a comprehensive inquiry into what it described as possible professional misconduct by Abubakar, a Chief Consultant Clinical/Radiation Oncologist attached to the National Hospital, Abuja, Eko Hot Blog gathered.
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The petition, which cited an affidavit filed before the Nasarawa State High Court on July 7, 2026, urged the council to carry out a prompt investigation into the circumstances surrounding the medical report. Records indicate the MDCN acknowledged receipt of the complaint on July 8.
The allegations have not been proven before any court or disciplinary body.
As the statutory regulator of medical and dental practice in Nigeria, the MDCN oversees professional conduct through its Medical Practitioners Investigating Panel and the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
If the panel finds sufficient grounds, the matter could proceed to disciplinary proceedings.
According to the affidavit sworn by ICPC investigator Alex Omamuli, who participated in investigations involving El-Rufai between 2024 and 2025, the former governor relied on a medical report dated June 10 while applying for bail in separate criminal cases before the Federal High Court in Kaduna and the Kaduna State High Court.
The report, reportedly issued on the letterhead of the National Hospital, Abuja, and signed by Professor Abubakar, contained a medical diagnosis said to have been based on El-Rufai’s treatment records at the hospital.
However, the ICPC questioned the authenticity of the report and sought verification from the hospital’s management.
In a response dated June 18, the National Hospital reportedly informed the commission that the document did not contain a hospital number and that searches of its electronic database found no evidence that El-Rufai had ever been registered or treated as a patient.
The hospital also reportedly stated that it found no records of consultations, physical examinations, laboratory tests, radiological investigations or clinical history to support the diagnosis contained in the report.
According to the affidavit, the hospital further said it only became aware of the document after it was presented by the ICPC and that it had not authorised its issuance despite bearing the institution’s official letterhead.
The hospital also confirmed that Abubakar had retired from active service and was currently working under a contractual arrangement.
The ICPC further claimed that medical examinations conducted while El-Rufai was in its custody did not reveal symptoms consistent with the condition stated in the report.
The commission said the former governor underwent routine medical assessments in detention in the presence of his personal physician.
It also alleged that Professor Abubakar visited El-Rufai at the ICPC headquarters on June 8 and June 18, during which only his blood pressure was checked by medical personnel.
According to the affidavit, no comprehensive clinical examination or laboratory investigations were carried out, and no blood, urine, tissue or other samples were collected during those visits.
The commission added that assessments conducted by its in-house doctor and El-Rufai’s personal medical team also did not indicate symptoms matching the diagnosis contained in the disputed report.
Based on its findings, the ICPC alleged that the medical opinion was issued without supporting clinical records or proper examination and on the letterhead of the National Hospital without the institution’s approval.
The anti-graft agency has therefore asked the MDCN to determine whether the circumstances amount to professional misconduct and whether disciplinary measures should be taken against the doctor if any wrongdoing is established.
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