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 tendered in support of the request.
Justice Darius Khobo rejected the application, which was based on claims that El-Rufai was suffering from advanced metastatic prostate cancer requiring specialized treatment allegedly unavailable in Nigeria.
During proceedings, counsel for the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) presented documentary evidence from the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, Prof. Muhammad Raji Mahmud, disputing the authenticity of the medical report relied upon by the defence.
According to the ICPC, a search of the hospital’s electronic medical records showed no evidence that El-Rufai had ever been registered, consulted, admitted, or treated at the facility. The hospital also stated that the purported medical report was issued without the knowledge or authorization of its management.
In his ruling, Justice Khobo held that a document disowned by the institution purported to have issued it could not form the basis for granting the relief sought. The court, however, directed the ICPC to grant El-Rufai unrestricted access to his personal physicians and ensure he is escorted to any specialized diagnostic or medical facility of his choice within Nigeria whenever the need arises during the trial.
El-Rufai is standing trial on a nine-count charge bordering on alleged conferment of benefits under false pretences and dishonest disposal of loan funds. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The ruling marks the third unsuccessful attempt by the former governor to secure bail.