Kaduna Court Rejects El-Rufai’s Bail Again as National Hospital Disowns Medical Report

Kaduna Court Rejects El-Rufai’s Bail Again as National Hospital Disowns Medical Report

Former Kaduna Governor Suffers Major Legal Setback in Alleged Corruption Trial

Former Kaduna State Governor, , has suffered another significant legal setback after a Kaduna State High Court dismissed his fresh application for bail over questions surrounding the authenticity of a medical report submitted in support of his request.

The ruling, delivered by Justice Darius Khobo, came after the National Hospital Abuja formally denied issuing the medical report that claimed El-Rufai was battling advanced metastatic prostate cancer requiring specialised treatment allegedly unavailable in Nigeria.

National Hospital Denies Medical Report

During the hearing, lawyers representing the (ICPC) presented official correspondence from the hospital's Chief Medical Director, Muhammad Raji Mahmud.

According to the ICPC, an extensive review of the hospital's electronic medical records and patient database found no evidence that El-Rufai had ever been registered, treated, admitted, or consulted at the National Hospital Abuja.

The anti-corruption agency further informed the court that the medical report relied upon by the defence was never authorised or issued by the hospital's management.

Court Rejects Bail Application

In his judgment, Justice Khobo ruled that a medical document disowned by the institution purported to have issued it could not be accepted as credible evidence to justify the grant of bail.

The court consequently dismissed El-Rufai's fresh bail application.

However, the judge directed the ICPC to ensure that the former governor has unrestricted access to his personal doctors throughout the trial.

Justice Khobo also ordered that El-Rufai be escorted to any specialised medical or diagnostic facility of his choice within Nigeria whenever medical attention becomes necessary.

El-Rufai Still Faces Multiple Criminal Charges

El-Rufai is currently standing trial on a nine-count charge filed by the ICPC. The charges include allegations of dishonest disposal of loan funds and the conferment of benefits under false pretences during his tenure as Governor of Kaduna State.

The former governor has pleaded not guilty to all the allegations.

Third Failed Bail Attempt

This latest ruling marks the third unsuccessful attempt by El-Rufai to secure bail since his legal battle began.

He remains in the custody of the ICPC while also facing a separate criminal prosecution before the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

The outcome represents another major development in one of Nigeria's closely watched anti-corruption cases, with the trial expected to continue in the coming weeks.

Why This Case Matters

The court's decision underscores the importance of authentic documentary evidence in criminal proceedings and highlights the judiciary's scrutiny of medical claims used to support bail applications.

Legal analysts believe the ruling could influence future high-profile corruption cases where health-related arguments are presented before Nigerian courts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why was Nasir El-Rufai denied bail?

The Kaduna State High Court rejected his bail application after the National Hospital Abuja denied issuing the medical report submitted by his legal team.

What charges is El-Rufai facing?

He is facing nine counts involving the alleged dishonest disposal of loan funds and the conferment of benefits under false pretences while serving as Kaduna State governor.

Did El-Rufai plead guilty?

No. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Is El-Rufai still in custody?

Yes. Following the court's ruling, he remains in ICPC custody pending the continuation of his trial.

Can El-Rufai still receive medical treatment?

Yes. The court ordered the ICPC to grant him access to his personal physicians and allow escorted visits to specialised medical facilities within Nigeria whenever necessary.

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