El-Rufai medical treatment approved by Kaduna court as ICPC ordered to supervise hospital visits during 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.

Also read: Court adjourns El-Rufai bail hearing again in Kaduna

The ruling followed a compassionate application by defence counsel during proceedings in the ongoing trial involving allegations of money laundering and corruption-related offences against the former governor.

Nasir El-Rufai and co-defendant Joel Adoga are standing trial before Justice Rilwan Aikawa on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion and possession of proceeds of corruption, as well as offences under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.

Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to a statement issued by ICPC spokesman John Odey, Wednesday’s proceedings focused largely on an application seeking variation of Nasir El-Rufai’s previously approved bail conditions.

During the hearing, defence counsel also appealed to the court to permit the former governor to receive specialised dental and eye treatment at designated medical facilities in Abuja.

The request specifically mentioned Mile Dental Clinic and Skipper Eye-Q Hospital as the proposed treatment centres.

Ruling on the application, Justice Rilwan Aikawa granted the request and directed the ICPC to transport Nasir El-Rufai to the medical facilities whenever treatment becomes necessary.

The court further ordered that all movements connected to the El-Rufai medical treatment arrangement must remain under strict supervision by the anti-corruption commission, with the defendant to be returned to custody immediately after each visit.

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

Earlier in the proceedings, the court admitted Nasir El-Rufai to bail in the sum of N200m with two sureties in like sum.