A 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).
El-Rufai had asked the court to grant him bail on medical grounds, claiming he was suffering from advanced metastatic prostate cancer and required specialised treatment that was unavailable in Nigeria.
However, the application suffered a setback after the National Hospital, Abuja, denied issuing the medical report presented by the defence in support of the request. After reviewing the evidence before it, the court held that the disputed medical report lacked credibility and could not be relied upon in determining the application.
The judge ruled that there was no sufficient basis to grant bail on health grounds and consequently dismissed the request. Despite refusing the application, the court directed the ICPC to ensure that El-Rufai has unrestricted access to his personal medical team and any specialised medical facility of his choice within Nigeria whenever necessary during the trial.
El-Rufai remains in the custody of the anti-corruption agency as he continues to face charges bordering on alleged abuse of office and related offences, all of which he has denied.
