The Kaduna State High Court has declined the bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in his ongoing trial over alleged abuse of office. The court ruled that the application lacked merit and ordered that the former governor remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) pending the continuation of his trial.
Delivering the ruling on Monday, Justice Diruis Khobo held that the bail application failed to present sufficient and convincing materials to justify the exercise of the court’s discretion in favour of the defendant.
Key Highlights
- El-Rufai bail application declined by Kaduna State High Court.
- Court says former governor failed to provide sufficient grounds for bail.
- Judge orders ICPC to grant El-Rufai access to his preferred medical team and healthcare facilities.
- Former Kaduna governor to remain in ICPC custody pending trial.
- Court adjourns proceedings to July 7 and 8 for continuation of trial.
- El-Rufai faces a nine-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office.
According to the judge, the applicant did not provide reliable evidence or credible documents capable of persuading the court to grant bail.
The proceedings were conducted in the absence of El-Rufai, who remained in the custody of the ICPC.
Despite refusing the bail application, Justice Khobo directed the anti-graft agency to grant the former governor unrestricted access to his medical team or any medical facility of his choice within Nigeria to enable him to receive appropriate medical care.
The court further ordered that El-Rufai remain in the custody of the ICPC pending the determination of the case.
Justice Khobo subsequently adjourned the matter until July 7 and July 8 for the continuation of trial.
El-Rufai Faces Nine-Count Charge
Nasir El-Rufai, who served as Governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023, is being prosecuted by the ICPC over allegations of abuse of office allegedly committed during his tenure.
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According to the anti-graft agency, the former governor violated public procurement and financial management procedures in the award and execution of certain government contracts.
The ICPC arraigned El-Rufai before the Kaduna State High Court on a nine-count charge, to which he pleaded not guilty.
His legal team has consistently argued that the charges are politically motivated and lack merit, while the ICPC maintains that it has assembled sufficient documentary and witness evidence to prove its case before the court.
The trial has continued to attract nationwide attention due to El-Rufai’s prominent role in Nigerian politics and his influence as a former governor.
The court is expected to resume hearing the matter on July 7 and 8, when proceedings will continue.
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