A Kaduna State High Court has refused the bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, ruling that he failed to provide sufficient grounds to justify his release.
Justice Dirisu Khobo, who delivered the ruling on Monday, held that the application lacked merit and did not contain enough evidence for the court to exercise its discretion in El-Rufai’s favour.
The former governor is facing a nine-count charge brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which accuses him of abuse of office and other related offences.
El-Rufai was not present in court when the ruling on his bail request was delivered.
According to the judge, the defence did not present credible evidence or convincing documents to support the application, nor did it establish any exceptional circumstances that would warrant granting bail while the trial is ongoing.
Despite denying the application, the court ordered the ICPC to allow El-Rufai unrestricted access to his medical team or any medical facility of his choice within Nigeria whenever medical attention is required.
Justice Khobo also directed that the former governor should remain in the custody of the anti-graft agency pending the determination of the case.
The matter was adjourned until July 7 and 8 for the continuation of trial.
