A Kaduna State High Court has rejected 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.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Darius Khobo held that the application did not provide sufficient grounds for the court to grant bail, noting that the defence failed to establish exceptional circumstances that would justify the request.
El-Rufai is currently facing a nine-count charge involving allegations of abuse of office and other related offences filed by the ICPC. Following an amendment to the charge, he is now the only defendant in the case.
Despite declining the bail application, the court directed the anti-corruption agency to allow the former governor unrestricted access to his medical team or any medical facility of his choice within Nigeria whenever the need arises.
The judge further ordered that El-Rufai remain in ICPC custody and fixed July 7 and 8 for the continuation of the trial.
