A medical report on former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has revealed that a blood culture test detected Enterococcus faecium, a bacterium resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin. The findings are contained in two medical documents dated October 22, 2026, concerning the 66-year-old former governor, who is currently being detained by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) amid his prosecution.
According to a laboratory report issued by Cerba Lancet Nigeria, both aerobic and anaerobic blood cultures tested positive for Enterococcus faecium after 24–48 hours of incubation. The report explicitly described the organism as a “Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus (VRE).” The laboratory report listed vancomycin as resistant, while several other antibiotics, including ampicillin/amoxicillin, erythromycin, levofloxacin, minocycline and linezolid, were marked as sensitive.
A separate medical report issued by ASK+ Medical & Diagnostics on October 22 documented the blood culture finding and detailed El-Rufai’s symptoms, clinical assessment and proposed treatment. The report stated that El-Rufai presented with mild generalized headache and dizziness, without aura or photophobia, and had a reported history of hypotension. His blood pressure was recorded at 93/70 mmHg and his pulse rate at 68 beats per minute.
The medical report also noted that El-Rufai appeared mildly dehydrated, with the clinical impression including dehydration in a case documented as resistant malaria and possible sepsis. The report recorded his temperature as 36.2 degrees Celsius, while his oxygen saturation was 98 per cent on room air. The physical examination described him as being in no apparent respiratory or painful distress.
Despite the medical findings, the reports do not establish any connection between El-Rufai's detention and the bacterial finding. The ASK+ report recommended admission for observation, intravenous fluids and medication for the documented clinical concerns. It also advised that the blood culture and antibiotic sensitivity results be reviewed in consultation with an infectious disease physician.
The findings come as El-Rufai remains in ICPC custody while facing prosecution. The medical documents revealed that results from several other investigations, including a full blood count, malaria test, renal function test, liver function test, fasting lipid profile, random blood glucose, urinalysis and HbA1c, were within normal limits.
The medical reports have raised concerns about El-Rufai's health condition, and his treatment plan will be guided by the laboratory findings. The reports listed possible intravenous antibiotic options, including Augmentin, Gentalex, L-Flox and linezolid, subject to further clinical assessment and review of the culture results.
Key points
- Former Kaduna Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai tested positive for Enterococcus faecium, a bacterium resistant to vancomycin.
- El-Rufai's medical reports revealed possible sepsis and dehydration, and recommended admission for observation and treatment.
- The medical findings do not establish any connection between El-Rufai's detention and the bacterial finding.
