By Our Correspondent

National News – A Federal High Court in Kaduna has granted former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, access to medical treatment while in custody over alleged money laundering and corruption charges.

The ruling was delivered on Wednesday by Justice Rilwan Aikawa following an application filed by the defence team during ongoing court proceedings.

El-Rufai and his co-defendant, Joel Adoga, are facing a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion and possession of proceeds of corruption, as well as money laundering under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the allegations brought against them by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

During the hearing, defence counsel urged the court to allow the former governor receive urgent dental and eye treatment at designated medical facilities in Abuja.

The lawyer argued that the request was based on compassionate grounds and necessary for El-Rufai’s health condition while in custody.

Justice Aikawa approved the application and directed the ICPC to escort El-Rufai under strict supervision to the approved hospitals whenever treatment becomes necessary.

The court also ordered that the former governor be returned to custody immediately after each medical appointment.

According to the anti-graft agency’s spokesman, John Odey, the commission would comply fully with the court’s directive while ensuring the defendant remains in lawful custody pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.

Earlier in the trial, the court granted El-Rufai bail in the sum of N200 million with two sureties in like sum, while the administrative bail earlier issued to the second defendant was also adopted by the court.

The case, which has drawn national attention due to El-Rufai’s political profile and the corruption allegations against him, was adjourned for further proceedings on the application seeking variation of the bail terms.