The Kaduna high court has dismissed the bail application filed by Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of the state, in the ongoing trial regarding the nine-count charge filed against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Darius Khobo, the presiding judge, on Monday, dismissed the third bail application filed by the former Kaduna governor.
In a statement issued by the ICPC, el-Rufai’s third bail application was premised on medical grounds.
The commisison said a medical report tagged “exhibit A”, purportedly issued by the National Hospital, Abuja, was used to support the bail application.
The ICPC said the medical report claimed that former governor had been diagnosed with advanced metastatic prostate cancer, which would require a specialised treatment said to be unavailable anywhere in Nigeria.
During Monday’s court proceedings, the anti-graft agency presented documentary evidence from Muhammad Raji Mahmud, the chief medical director (CDM) of the National Hospital, Abuja.
According to ICPC, the document issued by the CMD indicated that a search of the hospital’s electronic medical records and patient indexes revealed no hospital number, patient file, billing record, consultation history, or any evidence that el-Rufai had ever been treated at the facility.
The commission quoted the national hospital’s document as noting that the purported medical report was issued without the knowledge or authorisation of the management.
The judge held that the medical report, which has been disowned by the issuing agency, cannot serve as the foundation for the reliefs sought by the former governor.
The judge ordered the ICPC to ensure that el-Rufai has unrestricted access to his personal physicians and escort him to any specialised diagnostic or clinical facility of his choice within Nigeria during the period of the trial.
The former governor was arraigned by the ICPC on nine counts bordering on alleged conferment of benefit under false pretences and dishonest disposal of loan funds.
El-Rufai, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In April, the judge declined el-Rufai’s bail application and held that it was in the interest of justice that the former governor should remain in custody to be available for trial.
The ICPC is also prosecuting el-Rufai on separate charges at the federal high court in Kaduna.
The former governor of Kaduna had been in the ICPC’s custody since February 19, after he was released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He was released for a few days in March for the burial of his mother.
Stay ahead with the latest updates!
Join The Podium Media on WhatsApp for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
Chat with Us on WhatsApp
