The Federal High Court, Kaduna Division, has granted former Governor Nasir El-Rufai access to medical facilities in Abuja whenever needed. 

Mr El-Rufai was arraigned before the court on Wednesday.

“In the course of proceedings, the defence counsel also made a compassionate plea urging the court to direct the Commission to allow the defendant access to medical treatment, specifically for dental and eye care, at designated facilities in Abuja.

“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,” a statement by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission’s spokesperson, Okor Odey, said on Wednesday.

At the previous court hearing, Mr El-Rufai was granted bail of ₦200 million with two sureties in like sum, while the administrative bail earlier granted to the second defendant, Joel Adoga, was adopted by the court.

Wednesday’s proceedings were for the hearing of Mr El-Rufai’s motion seeking a variation of the bail conditions earlier granted by the court.

During the proceedings, Agada Akogwu appeared for the prosecution, while Oluwole Olaniyan led the defence team and adopted the motion to vary the bail conditions. The prosecution counsel, in turn, adopted a counter-affidavit opposing the application.

Following arguments from both sides, the court adjourned the matter until Thursday (today) for a ruling.