(Nasir El-Rufai. Photo by The Journal)
The Kaduna State High Court has dismissed another bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in the criminal case brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Justice D. H. Khobo, in a ruling delivered on June 29, 2026, turned down El-Rufai’s third request for bail, which was based on medical grounds.
A key issue before the court was a medical report submitted by the former governor in support of his application.
The document, marked as Exhibit “A,” was purportedly issued by the National Hospital, Abuja, and claimed that El-Rufai had been diagnosed with advanced metastatic prostate cancer requiring specialised treatment allegedly unavailable in Nigeria.
However, during the proceedings, the National Hospital denied issuing the report and informed the court that there was no record showing that the defendant had received treatment at the facility.
The hospital also stated that the medical report was produced without the approval or knowledge of its management.
Based on the evidence, the court ruled that the authenticity and credibility of the document had been seriously compromised, holding that a report disowned by the institution whose letterhead it bore could not be relied upon to justify the exceptional relief sought.
With the medical evidence found to be unreliable, Justice Khobo held that there were no verified facts to warrant granting bail on health grounds.
While refusing the application, the court directed the ICPC to continue allowing the former governor unrestricted access to his personal medical doctors and to ensure he is escorted to any specialised diagnostic or medical facility of his choice within Nigeria whenever necessary while the trial continues.
The commission said the directive aligns with its existing practice and reaffirmed its commitment to complying fully with the court’s order.
Reacting to the ruling, the ICPC said the judgment reinforces the principle that applications for bail on medical grounds must be backed by credible and verifiable evidence and decided strictly in accordance with the law.