By Nkechi Eze
The trial of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, continued on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Kaduna, with the court reserving ruling on an application seeking variation of his bail conditions.
In an official signed statement, Head, Media and Public Communications of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Mr. J. Okor Odey, disclosed that the proceedings followed the arraignment of Mallam El-Rufai and Mr. Joel Adoga on a 10-count charge before Honourable Justice Rilwan Aikawa.
The charges border on alleged conversion and possession of proceeds of corruption, as well as money laundering offences in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and other relevant laws. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty.
At an earlier sitting, the court admitted Mallam El-Rufai to bail in the sum of ₦200 million with two sureties in like sum, while the administrative bail earlier granted to Mr. Adoga was adopted by the court.
At Wednesday’s proceedings, which focused on the hearing of the former governor’s motion for variation of bail conditions, prosecution counsel, Dr. Agada Akogwu, opposed the application, while Mr. Oluwole Olaniyan, SAN, led the defence team in urging the court to grant the request.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Aikawa adjourned the matter to Thursday, May 7, 2026, for ruling on the application.
During the session, the defence also made a compassionate appeal, urging the court to permit the defendant access to medical care, particularly for dental and eye treatment, at designated facilities in Abuja.
In his ruling on the request, Justice Aikawa granted the application and directed the ICPC to escort Mallam El-Rufai under strict supervision to medical facilities of his choice, including Mile Dental Clinic and Skipper Eye-Q Hospital in Abuja, whenever necessary, with a directive that he be returned to custody immediately after treatment.
The court emphasized that all such movements must remain under the strict supervision of the Commission.
The ICPC reaffirmed its commitment to complying fully with the orders of the court while maintaining lawful custody of the defendant pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions, adding that prosecution of the case is being conducted diligently and in accordance with due process.
