Court Allows El-Rufai Medical Treatment in Custody

On Wednesday, a Federal High Court in Kaduna, presided over by Justice Rilwan Aikawa, granted former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai access to medical treatment, specifically dental and eye care, while in custody. This decision followed a compassionate plea made by his defense counsel during the ongoing trial concerning allegations of money laundering and other corruption-related offenses.

El-Rufai, alongside co-defendant Joel Adoga, faces ten counts of charges related to the possession of proceeds from corrupt activities, violating the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act of 2022. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty.

The court's ruling allows the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to facilitate El-Rufai's medical visits under strict supervision, ensuring he returns to custody immediately after treatment. Earlier, the court had admitted El-Rufai to bail in the sum of N200 million with two sureties.

The matter has been adjourned to May 7, 2026, for further proceedings.