Asiya El-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has criticised the arrest of her husband’s personal physician, describing the development as a dangerous attempt to “weaponise healthcare.”
Speaking during an interview on ARISE NEWS, the lawyer said the arrest of Professor Bello Abubakar extends beyond her husband’s ongoing legal case and could discourage doctors from offering independent professional opinions.
‘Healthcare Is Being Weaponised’
Asiya argued that medical professionals should never fear prosecution for carrying out their professional responsibilities.
According to her, intimidating doctors for expressing independent medical opinions could worsen Nigeria’s brain drain in the health sector and undermine confidence in medical practice.
“The fact that we are weaponising healthcare. If doctors become afraid to offer opinions, what does it say? It is not about Nasir El-Rufai anymore. It is about professionals being muzzled so that they are afraid to give professional opinions.”
Defends Husband’s Hospital Visit
Asiya also rejected allegations that her husband’s hospital visit violated the conditions approved by the court.
She explained that El-Rufai visited the hospital strictly for medical consultation and waited in the reception area while doctors prepared his medical report. According to her, any interaction with visitors happened in an open public space and was not a planned political meeting.
“Mallam was sitting in the reception. There were people already there. Mallam is a prominent person, people come to greet him.”
She questioned how authorities could accuse him of arranging a political meeting despite being in custody and having no access to a mobile phone.
Doctor Treated El-Rufai for Years
Asiya disclosed that Professor Bello Abubakar has served as El-Rufai’s personal physician since his time as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).
She further revealed that authorities had previously allowed her husband to visit specialist eye clinics for glaucoma treatment but later denied him access to his preferred physician.
ICPC Defends Its Actions
The comments come a day after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) accused El-Rufai of abusing a court-approved medical visit by allegedly meeting political associates instead of focusing on medical treatment.
The commission also announced the arrest of Professor Bello Abubakar, alleging that he made false statements regarding El-Rufai’s medical condition.
Investigation Continues
Meanwhile, the disagreement between El-Rufai’s family and the ICPC has intensified public debate over the former governor’s treatment while in custody.
The commission is expected to continue its investigation as legal proceedings involving the former Kaduna governor remain before the court.
Read also: ICPC Accuses El-Rufai of Breaching Medical Visit, Arrests Personal Doctor
