A Kaduna State High Court has dismissed a fresh bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, after the National Hospital Abuja disowned a medical report submitted in support of his request.
Justice Darius Khobo ruled that the medical document, which claimed El-Rufai was suffering from advanced metastatic prostate cancer requiring specialised treatment unavailable in Nigeria, could not be relied upon after the hospital denied issuing it.
During the hearing, counsel to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) tendered documentary evidence from the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Muhammad Raji Mahmud, stating that a search of the hospital’s electronic records and patient database found no evidence that El-Rufai had ever been registered, consulted, admitted or treated at the facility.
The hospital further maintained that the purported medical report was neither issued nor authorised by its management.
In his ruling, Justice Khobo held that a document disowned by the institution alleged to have issued it could not serve as the basis for granting bail.
However, the court directed the ICPC to allow El-Rufai unrestricted access to his personal doctors and ensure he is escorted to any specialised diagnostic or medical facility of his choice within Nigeria whenever necessary during the trial.
El-Rufai is currently 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 latest ruling marks the third time the former governor has failed to secure bail, with the court maintaining that he should remain in custody to ensure his availability throughout the trial.
The ICPC is also prosecuting El-Rufai in a separate case before the Federal High Court in Kaduna, and he remains in the commission’s custody.
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