Court Grants El-Rufai Access to Medical Treatment in Custody

In a development that highlights the intersection of legal proceedings and personal health, the Federal High Court in Kaduna has approved former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai's request for medical treatment while in custody. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) confirmed the court's decision, which followed a compassionate plea from El-Rufai's defense counsel during his ongoing trial.

The court, presided over by Justice Rilwan Aikawa, granted El-Rufai access to specific medical facilities in Abuja for dental and eye care. This access is to be strictly supervised by the ICPC, ensuring that El-Rufai is conveyed to the facilities when necessary and returned to custody immediately after treatment. The ruling emphasizes the court's acknowledgment of El-Rufai's medical needs while maintaining the integrity of his custody.

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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, at designated facilities in Abuja.

El-Rufai, along with co-defendant Joel Adoga, faces a 10-count charge encompassing alleged money laundering and corruption-related offenses, to which both have pleaded not guilty. The court had previously admitted El-Rufai to bail under specific conditions, including two sureties, and the administrative bail for the second defendant was adopted. The proceedings also involved an application seeking a variation of these bail conditions, with the matter adjourned for a ruling on May 7, 2026. This latest court order regarding medical treatment adds another layer to the ongoing legal battle surrounding the former governor.

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The court stressed that all movements relating to the medical visits must remain under the strict supervision of the commission.