El-Rufai Denied Bail, Granted Medical Care Access

The Kaduna State High Court, presided over by Justice Dirisu Khobo, denied the bail application of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who is standing trial on nine counts of abuse of office related to allegations of misconduct during his administration from 2015 to 2023. The court ruled that the application lacked merit, as the defense failed to provide sufficient convincing material to justify bail.

Justice Khobo noted the absence of reliable evidence to persuade the court to exercise its discretion favorably. Despite the bail request being refused, the judge directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to grant El-Rufai unimpeded access to a medical team of his choice within Nigeria for appropriate medical attention.

The former governor remains in the custody of the anti-graft agency pending the determination of his case, which has been adjourned to July 7-8 for continued trial. El-Rufai has pleaded not guilty to the charges, with his legal team asserting that the accusations are politically motivated.