Court grants El-Rufai access to medical treatment in custody

The Federal High Court in Kaduna has granted former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, access to medical treatment while in custody over alleged money laundering and corruption-related offences.

 

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

 

El-Rufai and a 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 Wednesday’s proceedings, defence counsel urged the court to direct the ICPC to allow El-Rufai receive medical attention, particularly for dental and eye treatment, at designated facilities in Abuja.

 

The request specifically sought permission for treatment at Mile Dental Clinic and Skipper Eye-Q Hospital.

 

Granting the application, Justice Aikawa ordered the ICPC to convey the former governor to the medical facilities under strict supervision and return him to custody immediately after treatment.

 

The court also directed that all movements connected to the medical visits must remain under the supervision of the commission.

 

According to the ICPC spokesman, John Odey, the commission will comply fully with the court’s directive while maintaining lawful custody of the defendant pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.

 

El-Rufai had earlier been granted 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 to May 7, 2026, for ruling on the application seeking variation of the bail conditions.