Court Rejects El-Rufai's Fresh Bail Application Over Disputed Medical Report

Court Rejects El-Rufai's Fresh Bail Application Over Disputed Medical Report

  • Politics
  • July 3, 2026
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A Kaduna State High Court has dismissed a fresh bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, after the National Hospital Abuja reportedly disowned a medical report submitted in support of his request.

Justice Darius Khobo ruled against the application, which was anchored on claims that El-Rufai was suffering from advanced metastatic prostate cancer requiring specialised treatment allegedly unavailable in Nigeria.

During the court proceedings, counsel for the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) presented documentary evidence from the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital Abuja, Professor Muhammad Raji Mahmud, challenging the authenticity of the medical report tendered by the defence.

According to the ICPC, checks conducted on the hospital's electronic medical records and patient database revealed no evidence that El-Rufai had ever been registered, consulted, admitted or treated at the facility.

The commission further informed the court that the medical report presented by the defence was issued without the knowledge or authorisation of the hospital's management.
In his ruling, Justice Khobo held that a document disowned by the institution purported to have issued it could not be relied upon as the basis for granting bail.

However, the judge directed the ICPC to allow El-Rufai unrestricted access to his personal physicians and ensure that he is escorted to any specialised diagnostic or medical facility of his choice within Nigeria whenever such treatment is required during the course of the trial.
El-Rufai is facing a nine-count charge bordering on the alleged conferment of benefits under false pretences and the dishonest disposal of loan funds during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The ruling marks the third unsuccessful attempt by the former governor to secure bail. He remains in ICPC custody and is also facing a separate criminal prosecution before the Federal High Court in Kaduna.