The Federal High Court in Kaduna has granted former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai access to medical treatment while in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The ruling followed an application by defence counsel during proceedings in El-Rufai’s ongoing trial over allegations bordering on money laundering and corruption-related offences.
El-Rufai and a co-defendant, Joel Adoga, are facing a 10-count charge before Justice Rilwan Aikawa involving alleged possession and conversion of proceeds of corruption, as well as offences under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty.
According to a statement issued by ICPC spokesperson John Odey, the defence requested that El-Rufai be allowed to receive dental and eye treatment at designated medical facilities in Abuja.
Justice Aikawa granted the application and directed the commission to escort the former governor to the approved facilities under strict supervision and return him to custody immediately after treatment.
The court also stated that all movements related to the medical visits must remain under the supervision of the anti-corruption agency.
Earlier, El-Rufai was granted bail in the sum of N200 million with two sureties in like sum, while the administrative bail granted to the second defendant was adopted by the court.
The matter was adjourned for further proceedings.
