A Kaduna State High Court has dismissed a fresh bail application filed by former 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, which was based on claims that El-Rufai was suffering from advanced metastatic prostate cancer requiring specialised treatment allegedly unavailable in Nigeria.
During the proceedings, counsel for the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) presented documentary evidence from the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Muhammad Raji Mahmud, challenging the authenticity of the medical report relied upon by the defence.
According to the ICPC, a search of the hospital’s electronic medical records and patient database found no evidence that El-Rufai had ever been registered, consulted, admitted or treated at the facility.
The commission further stated that the purported medical report was issued without the knowledge or authorisation of the hospital’s management.
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 court, however, directed the ICPC to grant El-Rufai unrestricted access to his personal physicians and ensure that he is escorted to any specialised diagnostic or medical facility of his choice within Nigeria whenever necessary during the trial.
El-Rufai is standing trial on a nine-count charge bordering on the alleged conferment of benefits under false pretences and the dishonest disposal of loan funds when he was governor of Kaduna State. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The ruling marks the third time the former governor has failed to secure bail. He remains in ICPC custody and is also facing a separate prosecution before the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
