The Federal High Court in Kaduna has granted former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai access to medical treatment while in custody.
This was disclosed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Wednesday.
The ruling came after defense lawyers made a humanitarian appeal during the former governor’s ongoing trial for suspected money laundering and corruption.
El-Rufai and a co-defendant, Joel Adoga, are facing a 10-count charge before Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Kaduna for alleged conversion and possession of corruption proceeds, as well as money laundering in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.
Both individuals have pleaded not guilty to their allegations.
According to ICPC spokesman John Odey, Wednesday’s proceedings focused on El-Rufai’s plea for a change of previously granted bail restrictions.
“In the course of proceedings, the defense 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 read.
The defense counsel expressly requested permission to treat at Mile Dental Clinic and Skipper Eye-Q Hospital in Abuja.
In ruling on the case, Justice Aikawa granted the request and asked the ICPC to transport El-Rufai under strict supervision to medical facilities whenever necessary and return him to detention immediately after treatment.
The court emphasized that any movements, including medical visits, must be strictly supervised by the commission.
Odey stated that the commission will completely comply with the court’s orders while maintaining the defendant’s lawful custody pending the fulfillment of his bail terms.
Previously, the court accepted El-Rufai to bail in the sum of N200 million with two sureties in the same amount, and the court approved the administrative bail previously granted to the second defendant.
The case was adjourned to May 7, 2026, for a decision on the application to vary the bail terms.
