MURIC to ICPC: Release El-Rufai’s personal physician

The Muslim Rights Concern has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to release Professor Bello Abubakar, the personal physician of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

MURIC made the demand in a statement issued on Friday to newsmen by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

The group contended that medical personnel are respected everywhere in the world. 

It said: “The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Wednesday allegedly arrested Professor Bello Abubakar, former governor Nasir El-Rufai’s personal physician over alleged false statements (https://guardian.ng/news/corruption-case-icpc-arrests-el-rufais-personal-physician-over-alleged-false-statements/) 

“We condemn this arrest. It is arbitrary, alien to global best practices and absolutely uncalled for. This arrest stands in contradistinction to democratic principles. We therefore demand the unconditional release of the doctor with immediate effect.

“Even in war zones, medical personnel are considered untouchable. They are immune to all types of aggression and hostile activities. They are solely responsible for care-giving to injured and sick soldiers. 

“Anything goes in detention, particularly this type of detention. The doctor might be compelled to compromise, to release information about his patient against the rules of his profession. 

“We are not convinced that the doctor had committed any offence and the explanations given by ICPC can hardly scratch the surface. Nigerians need more to be convinced.”