A Federal High Court in Kaduna has granted former Governor Nasir el-Rufai permission to travel to Abuja for dental and eye treatment under strict supervision by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has granted former Governor Nasir el-Rufai permission to travel to Abuja for specialized medical treatment. In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the court addressed an application from the defence team requesting access to dental and eye care. J. Okor Odey, the head of media and public communications at the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), confirmed that the court directed the commission to facilitate the movement under rigorous security protocols. “Ruling on this application, the court granted the request and directed the ICPC to convey Mallam El-Rufai, under strict supervision, to medical facilities of his choice, including Mile Dental Clinic and Skipper Eye-Q Hospital, Abuja, whenever the need arises, and to return him to custody immediately after such treatment,” the statement reads. +1
The court emphasized that while el-Rufai is permitted to visit these specific facilities, he must remain in the custody of the commission throughout the duration of the trips. This development occurred during a hearing for the variation of bail conditions originally set in April, following el-Rufai’s arraignment on March 24, 2026. The former governor and his co-defendant, Joel Adoga, are facing a 10-count charge involving alleged fraud, abuse of office, and money laundering. Despite the medical concession, the court maintained its stance on the necessity of oversight, stating that “all such movements shall remain under the strict supervision of ICPC.” +2
The legal proceedings have seen a flurry of activity, with the defence team, led by Oluwole Olaniyan SAN, adopting the motion for bail variation while the prosecution, represented by Dr. Agada Akogwu, filed a counter-affidavit in opposition. El-Rufai had previously been granted bail in the sum of N200 million with two sureties, but remains in the custody of the ICPC pending the resolution of additional bail applications in related cases. Wednesday’s ruling provides a temporary reprieve for the former governor’s health concerns as the court adjourned further rulings on the bail variation and the ongoing corruption trial to Thursday, May 7.
READ THE FULL STORY IN VANGUARD
NEWS NOW:
