A preliminary laboratory report has identified a drug-resistant bacterium in blood samples taken from former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, while a separate medical assessment listed possible sepsis among his clinical concerns.
The findings are contained in medical documents dated Oct. 22 and reported by SaharaReporters. El-Rufai remains in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) amid ongoing legal proceedings.
A report issued by Cerba Lancet Nigeria said both aerobic and anaerobic blood cultures detected Enterococcus faecium after 24 to 48 hours of incubation. The laboratory classified the organism as vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), indicating resistance to the antibiotic vancomycin.
The document was marked as an interim report, with a final verified result still to follow.
The laboratory findings indicated that the bacterium was susceptible to several other antibiotics, including ampicillin, erythromycin, levofloxacin, minocycline and linezolid. Treatment decisions would depend on the final laboratory results and the patient’s clinical condition.
A separate report from ASK+ Medical & Diagnostics documented symptoms including headaches, dizziness and a history of low blood pressure. The clinical assessment listed dehydration, resistant malaria and possible sepsis, with a suspected source of infection near the navel.
The report recorded El-Rufai’s blood pressure at 93/70 millimetres of mercury, his temperature at 36.2 degrees Celsius and his oxygen saturation at 98%. It also stated that he showed no apparent signs of respiratory distress or significant pain during the examination.
The documents contained differing descriptions of his hydration status. While one section described him as mildly dehydrated, another recorded no dehydration.
The report also said several other investigations, including blood counts, kidney and liver function tests, blood glucose and urinalysis, were within normal limits.
Despite those findings, the medical assessment recommended hospital admission for observation, intravenous fluids and further treatment. It also advised consultation with an infectious disease specialist to determine appropriate antibiotic therapy based on the blood culture and sensitivity results.
The report recommended admission for at least three days, subject to clinical assessment.
The documents reviewed do not establish a definitive diagnosis of sepsis or independently determine the severity of the bacterial finding. The laboratory report also remained preliminary at the time of reporting.
El-Rufai’s medical findings come as he remains in ICPC custody amid ongoing legal proceedings. The documents do not establish a connection between his detention and the bacterial finding.
The ICPC has been contacted for comment.
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