By Stephen Simon
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has petitioned the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) over the alleged role of the personal physician to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in the issuance of a disputed medical report that formed part of the ex-governor’s bail application.
The petition, submitted to the council’s Medical Practitioners Investigating Panel, seeks an inquiry into the conduct of the physician, Dr. Bello Abubakar, over allegations that he issued a medical report that investigators claim was false or misleading. The MDCN is expected to determine whether the doctor’s actions breached professional ethics and medical practice regulations.
According to court documents filed by the ICPC, the disputed medical report was tendered in support of El-Rufai’s application for bail on health grounds in one of the criminal cases pending against him. Investigators alleged that the report was intended to influence the court’s decision on the bail request.
The anti-corruption agency said its investigation included an affidavit deposed to by one of its investigators, who outlined the circumstances surrounding the medical report and the findings that prompted the commission to refer the matter to the professional regulatory body.
The latest development comes days after the ICPC filed criminal charges against Dr. Abubakar, accusing him of issuing a forged medical report and making false representations in connection with the ongoing prosecution of the former governor. The doctor has denied any wrongdoing.
Under the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, the Medical Practitioners Investigating Panel is empowered to examine allegations of professional misconduct against registered practitioners and, where necessary, refer cases to the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal for adjudication.
The referral marks another twist in the legal proceedings involving El-Rufai, whose bail application had earlier been rejected after the authenticity of the medical report became a subject of dispute. The outcome of the MDCN investigation could have professional implications for the physician, separate from the criminal proceedings already before the court.
