Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Kaduna State High Court has dismissed another bail application filed by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who is standing trial on a nine-count charge of alleged abuse of office and related offences brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Justice D. H. Khobo, in a ruling delivered on June 29, 2026, turned down the former governor's third request for bail, which was based on medical grounds.
A central issue before the court was a medical report submitted by El-Rufai in support of his application. The document, marked as Exhibit "A," was purportedly issued by the National Hospital, Abuja, and claimed that the former governor had been diagnosed with advanced metastatic prostate cancer requiring specialised treatment allegedly unavailable in Nigeria. However, during the proceedings, the National Hospital denied issuing the report, informing the court that there was no record showing that the defendant had received treatment at the facility. The hospital also stated that the medical report was produced without the approval or knowledge of its management. Based on the evidence, the court ruled that the authenticity and credibility of the document had been seriously compromised, holding that a report disowned by the institution whose letterhead it bore could not be relied upon to justify the exceptional relief sought. With the medical evidence found to be unreliable, Justice Khobo held that there were no verified facts to warrant granting bail on health grounds.
While refusing the application, the court directed the ICPC to continue allowing the former governor unrestricted access to his personal medical doctors and ensure he is escorted to any specialised diagnostic or medical facility of his choice within Nigeria whenever necessary while the trial continues. The commission said the directive aligns with its existing practice and reaffirmed its commitment to complying fully with the court's order. Reacting to the ruling, the ICPC said the judgment reinforces the principle that applications for bail on medical grounds must be backed by credible and verifiable evidence and decided strictly in accordance with the law.
El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, was first arraigned by the ICPC on March 18, 2026, alongside the Managing Director of TMDK Terminal Limited, Amadu Sule, before the Kaduna State High Court. The ICPC had initially filed a 10-count charge against the defendants, accusing them of offences ranging from alleged abuse of office and fraud to conferring undue advantage. However, the commission subsequently amended the charge following the withdrawal of one of the defendants from the proceedings, leaving El-Rufai as the sole defendant now standing trial on a reduced nine-count charge.
The case has attracted significant public interest, given El-Rufai's prominence in Nigeria's political landscape and his role as one of the country's most influential former governors. The court has adjourned the matter to July 7 and 8 for the continuation of the trial.
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