The court granted El-Rufai access to medical treatment in ICPC custody

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has obtained court approval to receive medical treatment while in custody at the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission amid his ongoing corruption trial.

The order was issued on Wednesday by Judge Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Kaduna following an appeal by El-Rufai’s legal team during a trial in a case involving alleged money laundering and corruption-related offences.

El-Rufai and his co-defendant, Joel Adoga, are currently facing 10 charges related to alleged possession and conversion of proceeds of corruption, as well as violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Both men deny the charges.

According to a statement issued by ICPC spokesperson John Odey, the defense urged the court to allow the former governor to access specialized medical treatment while he remains in custody.

“During the hearing, the defense also submitted a mercy petition urging the court to direct the commission to allow the accused to access medical treatment, particularly dental and eye care, at a designated facility in Abuja,” the statement read.

The defense specifically requested that El-Rufai be allowed to receive treatment at the Mile Dental Clinic and Skipper Eye-Q Hospital in Abuja.

After considering the request, Judge Aikawa granted the request and instructed the anti-graft agency to escort the former governor to an approved health facility whenever necessary under strict supervision.

The court also ordered that El-Rufai be returned to custody immediately after each medical visit, and stressed that any movement related to treatment must remain closely monitored by the commission.

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Odey stated that the ICPC will comply with the court’s directions while continuing to maintain legal custody of the accused pending compliance with his bail conditions.

Prior to the latest ruling, the court had granted El-Rufai bail of N200 million with two sureties in the same amount. The administrative guarantee previously granted to the second defendant was also accepted by the court.

The case was adjourned to May 7, 2026, due to the decision of the application requesting variation of bail conditions.