A Kaduna State High Court has refused the bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai, ordering that he remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) pending the continuation of his trial.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Diruis Khobo held that El-Rufai’s application lacked merit, stating that the former governor failed to provide sufficient evidence to justify the court’s discretion in granting him bail.
According to the judge, the application did not present reliable documents or disclose any exceptional circumstances that would warrant his release while the case is ongoing.
El-Rufai is facing a nine-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office and other related offences brought against him by the ICPC.
The ruling was delivered in the absence of the former governor, who was not physically present in court.
Despite refusing bail, the court directed the ICPC to grant El-Rufai unrestricted access to his medical team or any medical facility of his choice within Nigeria whenever medical attention is required.
Justice Khobo subsequently ordered that the former governor remain in ICPC custody and adjourned the case until July 7 and July 8 for the continuation of the trial.
