Court dismisses El-Rufai’s fresh bail request over medical report

A Kaduna State High Court on Thursday refused a fresh bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, after the National Hospital, Abuja, denied issuing the medical report presented in support of his request. The decision was delivered by Justice Darius Khobo during proceedings in Kaduna.

El-Rufai had asked the court to grant him bail on health grounds, claiming he was battling advanced metastatic prostate cancer that required specialised treatment which he said was not available in Nigeria.

However, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) opposed the application and submitted documents from the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, Abuja, Prof. Muhammad Raji Mahmud. According to the anti-graft agency, the hospital searched its electronic records and patient database but found no evidence that El-Rufai had ever registered, received treatment, been admitted or consulted at the hospital.

The hospital also informed the court that the medical report relied upon by the defence was not issued with the approval or knowledge of its management.
After reviewing the submissions, Justice Khobo ruled that a document rejected by the institution said to have produced it could not be accepted as the basis for granting bail. The judge therefore dismissed the application.

Despite refusing the request, the court directed the ICPC to allow El-Rufai unrestricted access to his personal doctors throughout the trial. The judge also ordered the commission to escort him to any specialised medical or diagnostic facility of his choice within Nigeria whenever medical attention becomes necessary.

El-Rufai is facing a nine-count charge involving allegations of obtaining benefits under false pretences and dishonest handling of loan funds. He has denied all the allegations and pleaded not guilty.
The latest ruling marks the third time the former governor has failed to secure bail.

The court had earlier ruled that he should remain in custody to ensure his availability throughout the trial and in the interest of justice.

Apart from the Kaduna State High Court case, El-Rufai is also standing trial in a separate matter before the Federal High Court in Kaduna, where the ICPC is prosecuting him. He remains in the custody of the commission as both cases continue.