The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has granted former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, permission to receive medical treatment in Abuja while in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The approval followed an application filed by the defence team, seeking access to specialised medical care, particularly dental and eye treatment.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, J. Okor Odey, Head of Media and Public Communications at the ICPC, disclosed that the court directed the anti-graft agency to escort El-Rufai under strict supervision to medical facilities of his choice whenever the need arises.
According to the statement, the court approved visits to Mile Dental Clinic and Skipper Eye-Q Hospital in Abuja, with instructions that the former governor be returned to custody immediately after treatment.
“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 read.
The court further emphasised that all movements relating to the medical visits must remain under the strict supervision of the ICPC.
El-Rufai and one Joel Adoga were earlier arraigned by the ICPC before the Federal High Court on March 24 over allegations bordering on fraud and money laundering. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following the arraignment, the court adjourned the bail hearing to March 31. At a subsequent sitting in April, El-Rufai was granted bail in the sum of N200 million with two sureties, while the court also affirmed the administrative bail earlier granted to Adoga.
Wednesday’s proceedings focused on El-Rufai’s motion seeking a variation of the bail conditions previously granted by the court.
During the hearing, Dr. Agada Akogwu represented the prosecution, while senior advocate Oluwole Olaniyan led the defence team in adopting the application for variation of bail terms. The prosecution, however, opposed the motion through a counter-affidavit.
After listening to arguments from both parties, the court adjourned the matter to May 7 for ruling.
Comments