The corruption trial of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is set to proceed today at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
This comes as the court formally approved a request for the former governor to receive specialized medical care while remaining in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
El-Rufai, alongside co-defendant Joel Adoga, faces a 10-count charge involving alleged money laundering, abuse of office, and the conversion of proceeds from corruption. Both men have maintained their innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges brought against them under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The proceedings on Wednesday were held under heavy security, with media access restricted.
While Justice Rilwan Aikawa had previously granted El-Rufai bail set at N200 million on April 14, the former governor has remained in ICPC custody pending the full satisfaction of his bail terms. These terms include providing two sureties, a traditional ruler and a high-ranking civil servant, and a strict prohibition on making public statements regarding the case.
During the most recent session, the defense team, led by Ubong Akpan, made a compassionate appeal for their client’s health. ICPC spokesperson John Odey confirmed that the court granted the request for El-Rufai to receive dental and eye care at specific facilities in Abuja.
“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,” the statement from the ICPC read.
Justice Aikawa ruled that the commission must escort El-Rufai to Mile Dental Clinic and Skipper Eye-Q Hospital under strict supervision, ensuring he is returned to custody immediately following his appointments.
While the court has adopted the administrative bail previously granted to Joel Adoga, today’s hearing is expected to focus on an application to vary the bail conditions for El-Rufai.
As the trial enters its substantive phase, the ICPC has affirmed its commitment to following the court’s directives regarding the defendant’s medical needs and continued detention.
