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 rejected the application, ruling that the medical document relied upon by the defence lacked credibility after the hospital denied issuing or authorising it.
Hospital disowns medical report
The bail application was based on claims that El-Rufai was suffering from advanced metastatic prostate cancer and required specialised medical treatment that was allegedly unavailable in Nigeria.
However, during the hearing, counsel for the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) presented documentary evidence from the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, Abuja, Prof. Muhammad Raji Mahmud, challenging the authenticity of the report.
According to the anti-graft agency, checks conducted through the hospital’s electronic medical records and patient database revealed no evidence that El-Rufai had ever been registered, consulted, admitted or treated at the facility.
The hospital further stated that the purported medical report was neither issued nor authorised by its management.
Judge dismisses bail request
In his ruling, Justice Khobo held that a document disowned by the institution purported to have issued it could not serve as the basis for granting bail.
The judge consequently dismissed the application but directed the ICPC to allow the former governor unrestricted access to his personal physicians.
The court also ordered the commission to escort El-Rufai to any specialised diagnostic or medical facility of his choice within Nigeria whenever the need arises during the course of his trial.
Former governor faces corruption charges
El-Rufai is currently standing trial on 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 brought against him by the ICPC.
The latest ruling marks the third unsuccessful attempt by the former governor to secure bail, after the court earlier held that he should remain in custody to ensure his availability throughout the trial.
Apart from the Kaduna State High Court proceedings, the ICPC is also prosecuting El-Rufai in a separate case before the Federal High Court in Kaduna, where he remains in the commission’s custody.