COURT GRANTS EL-RUFAI ACCESS TO MEDICAL TREATMENT IN ICPC CUSTODY

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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on Wednesday said the Federal High Court Kaduna has granted former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, access to medical treatment while in custody.

The ruling followed an application by defence counsel during proceedings in the ongoing trial of the former governor over alleged money laundering and corruption-related offences.

El-Rufai and his 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 contrary to the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

During the proceedings, defence counsel requested permission for El-Rufai to receive treatment at Mile Dental Clinic and Skipper Eye-Q Hospital in Abuja.

Ruling on the application, Justice Aikawa granted the request and directed the ICPC to escort the former governor to the medical facilities under strict supervision whenever treatment becomes necessary.

The court further ordered that El-Rufai be returned to custody immediately after each medical visit.

According to the ruling, all movements relating to the treatment must remain under the supervision of the anti-graft agency.

The ICPC assured the court that it would comply fully with the directive while maintaining lawful custody of the defendant pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.

Earlier, the court had 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 case was adjourned until May 7, 2026, for ruling on an application seeking variation of the bail conditions.