Court Clears El-Rufai For Dental, Eye Care Under ICPC Watch
A Federal High Court in Kaduna has authorised former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai to receive dental and eye treatment outside custodial facilities, even as a separate application seeking easier bail conditions awaits the court’s decision.
Justice Rilwan Aikawa, who presided over proceedings on Wednesday, granted the medical access request following an application by the defence team, which argued that the specialised care El-Rufai required was unavailable within his current custodial environment. The court accepted the medical grounds presented but attached firm conditions to the approval.
Under the terms of the order, El-Rufai is to be escorted by officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to approved healthcare facilities in Abuja. All visits are to remain strictly medical in purpose, with the former governor required to return to custody immediately upon completing each appointment.
The defence had informed the court that the former governor urgently needed dental evaluation and ophthalmic care, warning that further delays could worsen his condition. Counsel maintained that access to healthcare is a constitutional right that applies equally to individuals standing trial.
Justice Aikawa, while acknowledging the humanitarian and constitutional dimensions of the request, made clear that the arrangement must not be treated as a loosening of custody terms. He directed ICPC to ensure full compliance with the attached conditions, warning that any breach could attract sanctions.
El-Rufai is standing trial alongside co-defendant Joel Adoga on a 10-count charge that includes allegations of corruption, money laundering, and unlawful possession of proceeds of crime. The charges, filed under Nigeria’s financial crime statutes, are linked to transactions allegedly carried out during his time in public office. Both defendants have entered not guilty pleas.
At the same session, the defence pressed a separate application seeking a review of the bail conditions the court had earlier imposed. El-Rufai had been granted bail in the sum of N200 million with two sureties in like sum, alongside other requirements. Defence counsel argued that some of those terms were excessively stringent and called for adjustments.
The prosecution filed a counter-affidavit opposing any modification, describing the existing conditions as appropriate given the gravity of the charges and the need to guarantee the defendant’s continued presence at trial.
After hearing both sides, Justice Aikawa reserved his ruling on the bail variation request, indicating that a decision would be delivered at the next adjourned date.
ICPC subsequently reaffirmed its readiness to implement the court’s directive on medical access, stating its commitment to treating the defendant in accordance with the law while maintaining strict custodial supervision.
The trial continues to attract considerable public attention given El-Rufai’s prominence in Nigerian political history and his active role in national discourse long after leaving government.