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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has nabbed Professor Bello Abubakar, the personal physician to former governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State.

In a statement by John Odey, the ICPC spokesperson, Abubakar was arrested on Tuesday after what the commission described as abuse of privilege by El-Rufai and the medical doctor and violation of court order.

The anti-graft agency’s spokesman revealed that based on the court’s directives, the commission facilitated the former governor’s request to receive medical attention and allowed him to visit the National Hospital in Abuja under security arrangements in order for him to meet with his personal physician.

The visit to the hospital was, however, turned into a meeting, which one of the former governor’s political associates, Isa Ashiri Kudan, posted photographs of on Facebook at about 2 pm yesterday.

According to Odey, thisindicated that the visit was utilised for activities outside the scope contemplated by the court and the ICPC.

“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has expressed concern over developments surrounding a court-approved medical visit granted to former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, who is currently in the Commission’s custody.

“The Kaduna State High Court had fixed July 6, 7, and 8, 2026, for an accelerated hearing of the criminal charges pending against the defendant. On the first day of hearing, however, Mallam El-Rufai did not appear before the court.

“During proceedings, the prosecution informed the court that when officers of the Commission prepared to convey the defendant to court, he declined to accompany them, insisting that he wished to consult his personal doctor.

“The prosecution further informed the court that no prior request had been made to the Commission for such medical consultation and that, when asked by the Commission’s medical doctor, the defendant reportedly indicated that he had no immediate medical complaints but stated that his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his legal counsel, had requested that he see his personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar,” Odey said in the statement.

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President Bola Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to launch a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

This directive was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, the President directed that the investigation be concluded and a comprehensive report submitted to him within 30 days.

“The directive follows the discovery of the fictitious PFIPC, which was never established by the Federal Government of Nigeria and has no basis in any law, presidential instrument, executive approval, or other lawful act of government.

“One Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew presented himself as the Director-General of the so-called PFIPC and falsely claimed to be a presidential appointee.

“Among the issues to be investigated by the ICPC are the forged appointment letters and other official government documents; the use of a false claim of presidential appointment to seek or obtain official recognition and diplomatic support, including visa facilitation; and the opening of multiple bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies using allegedly forged documents,” the statement stated.

In addition, President Tinubu has directed the ICPC to investigate not only the conduct of the principal individual and other collaborators involved but also the wider circumstances that may have enabled a fictitious body and a false claim of presidential appointment to acquire an appearance of official legitimacy.

“The investigation is to examine the provenance and use of false official documents; the processes through which official recognition or diplomatic support may have been sought or obtained; the opening and operation of any related bank accounts; the source and movement of any funds involved; and the role of any public officer, private individual, financial institution, intermediary, or other person or entity that may have facilitated, enabled, or participated in the alleged scheme.”

The President further directed the Commission to identify any weaknesses in government and institutional procedures that may have been exploited and to recommend immediate measures to prevent the recurrence of similar abuses.

“All ministries, departments, and agencies of the Federal Government have been directed to provide the ICPC, upon lawful request, with all relevant information, records, and assistance required for the expeditious completion of the investigation.”

President Tinubu stated that the integrity of the Presidency and the institutions of the Federal Government must be protected against impersonation, forgery, abuse of official identity, and the exploitation of weaknesses in the public service.

The President directed that all persons found culpable be treated strictly in accordance with applicable law.

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The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has confirmed that petrol prices will drop significantly once its members begin purchasing products directly from the Dangote refinery.

Elijah Shettima, IPMAN’s national president, said that direct access to the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery would cut out middlemen and slash distribution costs.

“Our major concern is to ensure that independent marketers can purchase products directly from the Dangote Refinery,” Shettima said.

He added that if imports become necessary, marketers should also be granted the freedom to bring in products independently.

₦125 Already Slashed More to Come

Shettima revealed that IPMAN members have already reduced petrol prices by about ₦125 per litre nationwide and they’re not stopping there.

“We are ready to reduce prices as long as we can maintain reasonable margins and remain profitable. Our goal is to make fuel more affordable for consumers,” he stated.

Could Petrol Hit ₦800 or Below?

When asked if Nigerians could expect petrol at ₦900 per litre, Shettima said the price would depend on procurement costs from depot owners.

But he went further:

“If procurement costs continue to decline, marketers could reduce pump prices further even below ₦800 per litre where market conditions permit.”

A Game-Changer for the Downstream Sector

Shettima described Dangote refinery’s decision to supply independent marketers directly as a major milestone, predicting it would:

· Boost competition
· Lower distribution costs
· Ultimately benefit millions of consumers

He also called on the federal government to continue supporting local refining by creating an enabling environment for existing refineries and encouraging more private investment.

The Bottom Line

With direct Dangote supply on the horizon, Nigerians could soon see petrol prices drop to levels not seen in years. For now, all eyes are on procurement costs and the promise of sub-₦800 fuel.