The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Professor Bello Abubakar, the personal physician to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following his reported arrest by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Professor Abubakar was allegedly detained on Wednesday over claims of making false statements, a development that has sparked criticism from the Islamic human rights organisation.
In a statement issued on Friday, July 10, 2026, MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, described the arrest as arbitrary, unjustified, and inconsistent with global best practices and democratic norms.
“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,” the statement read.
MURIC emphasized the sanctity of the medical profession, noting that medical personnel are globally regarded as neutral actors whose primary responsibility is caregiving, even in conflict situations.
“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,” Akintola stated.
The group also raised concerns about the implications of detaining a medical practitioner, warning that such actions could pressure the doctor into breaching professional ethics, particularly patient confidentiality.
“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,” the statement added.
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MURIC further questioned the justification for the arrest, expressing doubts about the allegations leveled against Professor Abubakar.
“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,” Akintola concluded.
As of press time, the ICPC has yet to issue an official response to MURIC’s demands.
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