Court Denies El-Rufai Bail Over Disputed Medical Report

The Kaduna State High Court, presided over by Justice Dariu Khobo, rejected a fresh bail application from former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. The application was supported by a medical report from the National Hospital Abuja, which claimed El-Rufai suffers from advanced metastatic prostate cancer requiring specialized treatment unavailable in Nigeria.

However, the hospital disowned the report, stating it was neither issued nor authorized by them. During the hearing, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) presented evidence challenging the authenticity of the medical report, revealing no record of El-Rufai being registered or treated at the hospital.

Justice Khobo ruled that the disowned document could not serve as a basis for granting bail. Consequently, the court dismissed the application but ordered the ICPC to allow El-Rufai unrestricted access to medical care during the trial.

El-Rufai is currently facing nine counts of charges related to alleged fraudulent activities and has pleaded not guilty.