Judge okays El-Rufai’s medical treatment in custody

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on Wednesday confirmed that the Federal High Court in Kaduna has granted former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai access to medical treatment while in custody over alleged corruption-related offences.

The ruling was delivered by Justice Rilwan Aikawa following an application by the defence during proceedings in the ongoing trial.

Mr El-Rufai and co-defendant Joel Adoga are facing a 10-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering, conversion, and possession of proceeds of corruption contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Court grants medical access

According to a statement issued by ICPC spokesman John Odey, the defence counsel appealed to the court on compassionate grounds, requesting medical access for Mr El-Rufai.

“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,” the statement said.

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

Ruling on the request, Justice Aikawa directed the ICPC to transport Mr El-Rufai to the medical facilities under strict supervision and return him to custody immediately after treatment.

The judge stressed that all movements relating to the medical visits must remain under the commission’s control.

Bail conditions and adjournment

Mr Odey stated that the commission would comply fully with the court’s directives while maintaining lawful custody of the former governor pending fulfilment of his bail conditions.

Earlier, the court admitted Mr El-Rufai to bail in the sum of ₦200 million with two sureties in like sum, while the administrative bail previously granted to Mr Adoga was adopted by the court.

The matter was adjourned to 7 May 2026 for ruling on the application seeking variation of the bail conditions.

The case forms part of a broader anti-corruption prosecution involving allegations of financial misconduct during Mr El-Rufai’s tenure as governor of Kaduna State.