ICPC Trial Takes New Twist As Court Rejects El-Rufai’s Bail Application

The Kaduna State High Court has rejected a fresh bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in his ongoing trial before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Justice Darius Khobo dismissed the application on Monday, marking the third unsuccessful bail request by the former governor since the commencement of the case.

According to a statement by the ICPC, El-Rufai’s latest application was based on medical grounds. He relied on a medical report, marked Exhibit A, which was purportedly issued by the National Hospital, Abuja.

The report allegedly stated that the former governor had been diagnosed with advanced metastatic prostate cancer and required specialised treatment not available in Nigeria.

However, the ICPC told the court that it tendered documentary evidence from the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, Abuja, Professor Muhammad Raji Mahmud, challenging the authenticity of the report.

According to the commission, the hospital’s records showed no evidence that El-Rufai had ever been registered or treated at the facility. The search reportedly found no hospital number, patient file, billing history, consultation records, or any other documentation linked to him.

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

In his ruling, Justice Khobo held that a medical document repudiated by the institution that allegedly issued it could not serve as the basis for granting bail.

Despite rejecting the application, the judge directed the ICPC to allow El-Rufai unrestricted access to his personal doctors.

The court also ordered the anti-graft agency to escort him to any specialised diagnostic or medical facility of his choice within Nigeria whenever necessary during the trial.

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

The court had earlier refused his bail application in April, ruling that it was in the interest of justice for him to remain in custody to ensure his availability throughout the trial.

In addition to the Kaduna State High Court case, the ICPC is prosecuting El-Rufai on separate charges before the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

The former governor has remained in ICPC custody since February 19 after he was released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).