A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has granted former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, permission to receive medical treatment while in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The ruling was delivered on Wednesday by Justice Rilwan Aikawa during proceedings in the ongoing trial involving alleged money laundering and corruption-related offences against the former governor and a co-defendant, Joel Adoga.
The court’s decision followed a plea by El-Rufai’s lawyer, who urged the court to allow his client access to urgent medical attention, particularly for dental and eye treatment. According to the defence, the former governor needed care at specific medical facilities in Abuja, namely Mile Dental Clinic and Skipper Eye-Q Hospital.
Justice Aikawa granted the request and directed the ICPC to take El-Rufai to the approved medical facilities under strict supervision whenever treatment becomes necessary. The judge also ordered that the former governor be returned to custody immediately after each hospital visit.
The court stressed that all movements relating to the medical treatment must remain under the direct control and supervision of the anti-corruption agency.
The development came during hearing of an application by El-Rufai seeking a variation of the bail conditions earlier imposed by the court. Although the court did not immediately rule on the request to vary the bail terms, it fixed May 7, 2026, for ruling on the application.
In a statement issued after the proceedings, ICPC spokesman John Odey confirmed the court order and said the commission would comply fully with the directive while ensuring that the defendant remains in lawful custody pending fulfilment of his bail conditions.
El-Rufai and Adoga are currently facing a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion and possession of proceeds of corruption as well as money laundering, contrary to provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Both defendants had earlier pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The court had previously admitted El-Rufai to bail in the sum of N200 million with two sureties in like sum. The administrative bail earlier granted to the second defendant was also adopted by the court. However, the former governor is yet to fully meet the conditions attached to the bail, which explains why he remains in ICPC custody.
The case has continued to attract national attention because of El-Rufai’s high political profile and his influence within Nigeria’s political space.
El-Rufai served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Before becoming governor, he held several important public offices, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Known for his outspoken views and controversial reforms, El-Rufai remained one of the most visible political figures in northern Nigeria throughout his time in office. His administration in Kaduna was marked by major urban renewal projects, restructuring of the civil service, and efforts to improve internally generated revenue.
However, his years in office were also surrounded by criticism and political disputes, especially over issues relating to insecurity, demolition exercises, and relations with labour unions and religious groups in the state.
The current trial is one of the biggest legal battles involving a former state governor in recent times and is being closely watched by political observers, lawyers, and civil society groups.
The ICPC has not released full details of the alleged transactions forming the basis of the charges, but the commission insists that it has enough evidence to prosecute the case. The anti-corruption agency has repeatedly stated that the prosecution is part of efforts to strengthen accountability in public service and fight corruption in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies, including the ICPC and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have in recent years intensified investigations and prosecutions involving former governors, ministers, and top public officials. While some cases have ended in convictions, many others have dragged on for years because of legal delays and prolonged court proceedings.
Meanwhile, supporters of the former governor have continued to express confidence that he will clear his name in court. Some political associates have described the charges as politically motivated, although the ICPC has denied such claims and insists that the matter is purely legal and evidence-based.
On the other hand, anti-corruption advocates argue that the trial presents another opportunity for Nigeria’s justice system to demonstrate seriousness in dealing with allegations involving powerful public office holders. They say transparent handling of the case will help strengthen public confidence in the rule of law.
As the case continues, attention will now shift to the court’s expected ruling on the application seeking variation of El-Rufai’s bail conditions. The outcome may determine whether the former governor will remain in custody or regain temporary freedom pending the conclusion of the trial.
For now, the Federal High Court has made it clear that while El-Rufai remains entitled to medical care, such access must take place under tight security and close supervision by the ICPC.