Court Denies El-Rufai’s Bail Application In ICPC Trial

According to Ireporter Online, the Kaduna State High Court has dismissed the bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in his ongoing trial with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The ruling was delivered on Monday by Justice Darius Khobo, who threw out the application after reviewing arguments presented before the court. The bail request was reportedly the third submitted by the former governor and was anchored on medical grounds.

The ICPC informed the court that El-Rufai had relied on a medical document marked “Exhibit A,” allegedly issued by the National Hospital, Abuja, which claimed he was suffering from advanced metastatic prostate cancer and required specialised treatment outside the country.

However, during the proceedings, the anti-graft agency presented evidence from the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, Abuja, Muhammad Raji Mahmud, indicating that a thorough search of the hospital’s electronic records showed no trace of El-Rufai’s medical history, including hospital number, patient file, billing records, or consultation history.

The commission further stated that the hospital disowned the alleged medical report, adding that it was issued without the knowledge or authorisation of its management.

Delivering his ruling, Justice Khobo held that a medical report not recognised by its issuing institution could not be relied upon to grant bail.

The court, however, directed the ICPC to ensure that El-Rufai is granted unrestricted access to his personal physicians and permitted to visit any specialised diagnostic or clinical facility of his choice within Nigeria during the course of the trial.

El-Rufai is facing a nine-count charge bordering on alleged conferment of benefits under false pretences and dishonest disposal of loan funds. He has pleaded not guilty.

Earlier in April, the court had also refused his bail application, ruling that it was in the interest of justice for him to remain in custody and be available for trial.

The ICPC is also prosecuting the former governor in a separate case at the Federal High Court in Kaduna. He has been in ICPC custody since February 19 following his release from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).