By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
A Kaduna State High Court on Monday declined the bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, who is standing trial on a nine-count charge of alleged abuse of office. In a ruling, Justice Diruis Khobo held that the application lacked merit, saying the defence failed to present sufficient material to justify the exercise of the court’s discretion in granting bail.
According to the court, the applicant did not provide credible evidence or documentation to support the request. The proceedings were held in the absence of El-Rufai, who remains in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The court, however, directed the ICPC to grant El-Rufai unrestricted access to his medical team or a medical facility of his choice within Nigeria for appropriate medical care. Justice Khobo also ordered that the former governor remain in ICPC custody pending the determination of the case and adjourned proceedings to July 7 and 8, 2026, for the continuation of trial.
The ICPC is prosecuting El-Rufai over allegations that he breached public procurement and financial management procedures during his tenure as Kaduna State governor between 2015 and 2023. He has pleaded not guilty to all nine counts. His legal team has denied the allegations and maintains that the charges are politically motivated, while the ICPC says it has sufficient evidence to prosecute the case.
