‘He presented ‘fake’ medical report’ – Court rejects El-Rufai’s bail application

The Kaduna High Court has dismissed a bail application filed by Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of the state, in his ongoing trial over a nine-count charge brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Darius Khobo, the presiding judge, on Monday rejected the third bail application submitted by the former governor.

According to a statement by the ICPC, the application was based on medical grounds and supported by a report tagged “Exhibit A,” purportedly issued by the National Hospital, Abuja.

The commission said the report claimed that el-Rufai had been diagnosed with advanced metastatic prostate cancer requiring specialised treatment allegedly unavailable in Nigeria.

During proceedings, the ICPC presented documentary evidence from Muhammad Raji Mahmud, Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the National Hospital, Abuja.

The document indicated that a search of the hospital’s electronic medical records and patient index showed no hospital number, patient file, billing record, consultation history, or any evidence that el-Rufai had ever been treated at the facility.

The commission further stated that the hospital disowned the report, noting that it was issued without the knowledge or authorisation of its management.

In his ruling, the judge held that a medical report disowned by its purported issuer could not serve as a basis for granting bail.

He, however, ordered the ICPC to grant el-Rufai unrestricted access to his personal physicians and to escort him to any specialised diagnostic or clinical facility of his choice within Nigeria throughout the trial.

El-Rufai was arraigned by the ICPC on nine counts bordering on alleged conferment of benefit under false pretences and dishonest disposal of loan funds. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In April, the court had earlier denied his bail application, ruling that it was in the interest of justice for him to remain in custody to ensure his availability for trial.

The ICPC is also prosecuting the former governor on separate charges before the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 19, following his release by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He was briefly released in March to attend the burial of his mother.