Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has been granted permission by the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna to receive medical treatment in Abuja under strict supervision of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
The ruling allows el-Rufai to access medical care while remaining under custody, following an application filed by his defence team during ongoing proceedings linked to alleged financial crimes.
In its decision, the court directed the ICPC to escort the former governor to approved medical facilities whenever necessary, including Mile Dental Clinic and Skipper Eye-Q Hospital in Abuja, before returning him to custody immediately after treatment.
According to the ICPC’s Head of Media and Public Communications, J. Okor Odey, the application was based on health-related needs, specifically dental and eye treatment.
El-Rufai and a co-defendant, Joel Adoga, were first arraigned on March 24 on charges bordering on alleged fraud and money laundering. Both men pleaded not guilty, and the case was adjourned for bail consideration.
Subsequently, the court granted el-Rufai bail in the sum of ₦200 million, with two sureties, while confirming the administrative bail earlier granted to Adoga.
Wednesday’s sitting was centred on a fresh motion seeking a variation of the bail conditions earlier imposed on the former governor.
During the proceedings, Dr. Agada Akogwu appeared for the prosecution, while Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Oluwole Olaniyan, led the defence team in urging the court to approve the application. The prosecution, however, opposed the request through a counter-affidavit.
After listening to arguments from both sides, the court reserved its ruling and adjourned the matter to May 7.
The ICPC maintained that all movements permitted under the court order must remain strictly supervised, reinforcing that el-Rufai’s access to medical care will not affect the ongoing trial process.
