The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has said proceedings have continued in the corruption trial of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, before the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

In a statement, the commission stated that the matter came up yesterday before Judge Rilwan Aikawa, where arguments were heard on an application seeking a variation of bail conditions earlier granted to the former governor.

el-Rufai and a co-defendant, Joel Adoga, are facing 10 charges of conversion and possession of proceeds of corruption, as well as money laundering offences under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and other relevant laws.

At an earlier sitting, the court granted el-Rufai bail in the sum of N200 million with two sureties in like sum, while an administrative bail earlier granted to Mr Adoga was adopted.

At yesterday’s proceedings, defence lawyer, Oluwole Olaniyan (SAN), urged the court to vary the bail conditions.

The ICPC, through its lawyer, Agada Akogwu, opposed the application and relied on a counter-affidavit already filed.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the court adjourned ruling on the application until 7 today.

The defence also requested that the former governor be allowed access to medical care in Abuja.

Ruling on the request, Aikawa granted permission for el-Rufai to be conveyed under strict ICPC supervision to Mile Dental Clinic and Skipper Eye-Q Hospital, or any other approved facility of his choice, and returned to custody immediately after treatment.

The court stressed that all movements must remain under the strict supervision of the commission.

The ICPC said it would comply with the court’s directive while maintaining lawful custody of the defendant, adding that the prosecution is being pursued diligently and in accordance with due process.

In a related but separate development, the ICPC also filed a counter-affidavit on Tuesday opposing a fresh bail application filed by el-Rufai before the Kaduna State High Court in the same corruption matter.

At the resumed hearing, defence lawyer, Ubong Akpang informed the court of the pending application, while ICPC lawyer, Ibrahim Mukhtar, said he had only just been served with additional processes and needed time to respond.

The court adjourned the matter to May 13 for the hearing of the bail application.