Court rejects El-Rufai’s fresh bail bid over disputed medical report

By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

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, disowned a medical report tendered in support of the request.

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

During the 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, Prof. Muhammad Raji Mahmud, disputing the authenticity of the medical report relied upon by the defence.

According to the ICPC, a search of the hospital’s electronic medical records and patient database showed no evidence that El-Rufai had ever been registered, consulted, admitted or treated at the facility.

The hospital also stated that the purported medical report was issued without the knowledge or authorisation of its management.

In his ruling, Justice Khobo held that a document disowned by the institution purported to have issued it could not form the basis for granting the relief sought.

The court, however, directed the ICPC to grant El-Rufai unrestricted access to his personal physicians and ensure he is escorted to any specialised diagnostic or medical facility of his choice within Nigeria whenever the need arises during the trial.

El-Rufai is standing trial on a nine-count charge bordering on the alleged conferment of benefits under false pretences and the dishonest disposal of loan funds. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The ruling marks the third unsuccessful attempt by the former governor to secure bail. The court had earlier ruled that he should remain in custody in the interest of justice and to ensure his availability throughout the trial.

The ICPC is also prosecuting El-Rufai in a separate case before the Federal High Court in Kaduna. He remains in the commission’s custody.