Court Denies El-Rufai Bail, Orders Continued Detention In ICPC Custody

A Kaduna State High Court has dismissed the bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, ordering that he remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) as his ongoing trial continues.

According to Ireporter Online, the ruling was delivered on Monday by Justice Dirisu Khobo, who held that the application failed to satisfy the legal requirements necessary for the grant of bail.

The court noted that El-Rufai did not provide sufficient credible evidence or supporting documents to justify his release while standing trial. It further stated that the defence failed to establish any special circumstances that would warrant granting bail before the conclusion of the case.

Consequently, the bail request was dismissed.

However, the court directed the ICPC to ensure that the former governor is granted unrestricted access to medical care, allowing him to consult his doctors or any medical facility of his choice within Nigeria whenever necessary during his detention.

Justice Khobo further ordered that El-Rufai remain in ICPC custody pending the next phase of the proceedings, with the matter adjourned to July 7 and July 8 for continuation of hearing.

El-Rufai is facing a nine-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office and related offences.