Court Denies El-Rufai Bail, Orders Continued ICPC Detention
A Kaduna State High Court has denied the bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, ordering that he remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) pending the continuation of his trial.
Justice Darius Khobo, who delivered the ruling on Monday, held that the bail application lacked merit, stating that the defence failed to present sufficient evidence to persuade the court to exercise its discretion in favour of the former governor. The judge further ruled that no exceptional circumstances had been established to justify granting bail.
El-Rufai is facing a nine-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office and other related offences filed by the ICPC. Following an amendment to the charge, he is now the sole defendant in the case.
Despite refusing his bail request, the court directed the anti-corruption agency to grant the former governor unrestricted access to his medical team or any medical facility of his choice within Nigeria whenever necessary.
Justice Khobo subsequently ordered that El-Rufai remain in ICPC custody and adjourned the matter until July 7 and July 8 for the continuation of trial proceedings.
The ruling marks another significant development in the high-profile case involving the former Kaduna governor, with the court expected to resume hearing next month as both the prosecution and defence continue their legal arguments.
