A Kaduna State High Court has dismissed 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.

In a ruling delivered on Monday, Justice Darius Khobo held that the application lacked merit, stating that the defendant failed to provide sufficient evidence to justify the exercise of the court’s discretion in his favour. The judge also ruled that no exceptional circumstances were presented to warrant the grant of bail.

 

El-Rufai is standing trial on a nine-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office and related offences brought by the ICPC. Following an amendment to the charge, he is now the sole defendant in the case.

 

Although the court refused his bail request, it directed the ICPC to grant the former governor unrestricted access to his medical team or any medical facility of his choice within Nigeria whenever necessary.

 

Justice Khobo subsequently ordered that El-Rufai remain in ICPC custody and adjourned the case to July 7 and 8 for the continuation of hearing.