A Kaduna State High Court has declined the bail application submitted by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmed El Rufai, saying the request failed to meet the legal requirements for his temporary release. In a ruling delivered by Justice Diruis Khobo, the court held that El Rufai did not present sufficient evidence or exceptional reasons […]
A Kaduna State High Court has declined the bail application submitted by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmed El Rufai, saying the request failed to meet the legal requirements for his temporary release.
In a ruling delivered by Justice Diruis Khobo, the court held that El Rufai did not present sufficient evidence or exceptional reasons to persuade the court to grant bail. The former governor was not present in court when the ruling was delivered.
The court maintained that the application lacked merit, insisting that the circumstances presented by the defence did not justify releasing the defendant before the conclusion of his trial.
El Rufai is currently facing a nine count charge brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of abuse of office and related offences.
Although the court denied his bail request, Justice Khobo ordered the anti corruption agency to grant the former governor unrestricted access to his medical team or any healthcare facility of his choice within the country whenever the need arises.
The court also directed that El Rufai should remain in ICPC custody and fixed July 7 and July 8 for the continuation of hearing in the case.
The former governor was initially arraigned on March 18 alongside Amadu Sule, the Managing Director of TMDK Terminal Limited, after the ICPC filed a 10 count charge alleging abuse of office, fraud and other offences.
Following an amendment to the charge and the removal of Sule from the proceedings, El Rufai is now the sole defendant standing trial on a reduced nine count charge.