The State High Court has declined the bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who is standing trial on a nine-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office.
Justice Diruis Khobo, who delivered the ruling on Monday, held that the application lacked merit, ruling that the former governor failed to present sufficient and convincing materials to justify the exercise of the court’s discretion in his favour.
According to the judge, the defence did not provide reliable evidence or credible documents capable of persuading the court to grant bail.
The proceedings were conducted in the absence of El-Rufai, who remained in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Despite refusing the bail application, Justice Khobo directed the ICPC to grant the former governor unhindered access to his medical team or any medical facility of his choice within Nigeria to enable him to receive appropriate medical care while in custody.
The court further ordered that El-Rufai remain in the custody of the anti-graft agency pending the determination of the case.
READ ALSO:Â ICPC Docks El-Rufai Over Alleged N8.68bn CCTV Contract Scam
Justice Khobo subsequently adjourned the matter to July 7 and 8 for the continuation of trial.
El-Rufai, who served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, is being prosecuted by the ICPC over allegations of abuse of office during his administration.
The anti-corruption agency accused the former governor of violating public procurement and financial management procedures in the execution of several government contracts.
He was arraigned before the Kaduna State High Court on a nine-count charge and has pleaded not guilty to all the allegations.
His legal team has consistently maintained that the charges are politically motivated and lack merit, while the ICPC insists it has assembled sufficient documentary and witness evidence to secure a conviction.
The trial has continued to attract significant public attention due to El-Rufai’s prominence in Nigeria’s political landscape and his influence as one of the country’s leading former governors.