The Kaduna State High Court has dismissed a fresh application for bail filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, on medical grounds in the ongoing criminal proceedings instituted against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
According to a statement issued by the ICPC on Thursday, Justice D. H. Khobo delivered the ruling on June 29, 2026, rejecting what the Commission described as El-Rufai’s third bail application.
The Commission said the application was supported by a medical report purportedly issued by the National Hospital, Abuja, claiming that the former governor had been diagnosed with advanced metastatic prostate cancer requiring specialised treatment allegedly unavailable in Nigeria.
In opposing the application, the ICPC told the court that it had obtained documentary evidence from the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, Abuja, Professor Muhammad Raji Mahmud, stating that the hospital had no record of El-Rufai ever receiving treatment at the facility.
According to the Commission, a comprehensive search of the hospital’s electronic medical records and patient database found no hospital number, patient file, billing record, consultation history or any evidence linking the former governor to the institution.
The hospital also reportedly stated that the medical report was issued without the knowledge or authorisation of its management.
The ICPC said Justice Khobo held that the credibility and reliability of the medical report had been fundamentally undermined after it was formally disowned by the institution on whose letterhead it appeared.
The court ruled that the document could not serve as the basis for granting bail on medical grounds and found no reliable, institutionally verified evidence to justify exercising its discretion in favour of the defendant.
While refusing the application, the court directed the ICPC to continue providing El-Rufai with unrestricted access to his personal medical physicians and to ensure he is escorted to any specialised diagnostic or clinical facility of his choice within Nigeria whenever required during the trial.
The Commission said the order was consistent with its existing practice and reaffirmed its commitment to complying fully with the court’s directive.
Reacting to the ruling, the ICPC said the decision reaffirmed the principle that applications for bail on medical grounds must be supported by credible and verifiable evidence.
The Commission also reiterated its commitment to conducting investigations and prosecutions professionally, fairly and in accordance with the rule of law while respecting the constitutional rights of all persons standing trial.
El-Rufai is currently facing criminal charges brought by the ICPC before the Kaduna State High Court in connection with alleged abuse of office, fraud and procurement-related offences.
He is also facing a separate case before the Federal High Court involving allegations of money laundering and possession of proceeds of corruption.
The former governor has pleaded not guilty to all the charges, and the cases remain before the courts.
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