The Federal High Court in Kaduna has granted former Kaduna State Gov. Nasir El-Rufai access to medical treatment while in custody, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission said Wednesday.
The ruling followed a plea by defense counsel during proceedings in the ongoing trial of El-Rufai over alleged money laundering and corruption-related offenses.
El-Rufai and co-defendant Joel Adoga are facing a 10-count charge before Justice Rilwan Aikawa bordering on alleged conversion and possession of proceeds of corruption, as well as money laundering in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to a statement by ICPC spokesman John Odey, Wednesday’s proceedings focused on El-Rufai’s application seeking a variation of previously granted bail conditions.
“In the course of proceedings, the defence counsel also made a compassionate plea urging the court to direct the commission to allow the defendant access to medical treatment, specifically for dental and eye care, at designated facilities in Abuja,” the statement said.
The defense specifically requested permission for treatment at Mile Dental Clinic and Skipper Eye-Q Hospital in Abuja.
Ruling on the application, Aikawa granted the request and directed the ICPC to escort El-Rufai under strict supervision to the medical facilities whenever necessary and return him to custody immediately after treatment.
The court said all movements related to the medical visits must remain under the commission’s supervision.
Odey said the ICPC would comply fully with the court’s orders while ensuring lawful custody of the defendant pending fulfillment of his bail conditions.
Earlier, the court granted El-Rufai bail in the sum of N200 million with two sureties in like sum, while the administrative bail earlier granted to the second defendant was adopted by the court.
The matter was adjourned until May 7, 2026, for ruling on the application seeking variation of the bail conditions.
