The Kaduna State High Court has dismissed a fresh bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in his ongoing trial before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The ruling was delivered on Monday by Justice Darius Khobo, who held that the medical evidence presented in support of the application could not justify the relief sought by the defendant.

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According to the ICPC, the application was the third bail request filed by the former governor and was based on claims that he required urgent medical treatment.

The commission said El-Rufai relied on a medical report, identified as Exhibit A, which was purportedly issued by the National Hospital, Abuja.

The document allegedly stated that the former governor had been diagnosed with advanced metastatic prostate cancer and required specialised medical care unavailable in Nigeria.

However, the ICPC told the court that it obtained official documentation from the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, Abuja, Professor Muhammad Raji Mahmud, challenging the authenticity of the report.

According to the commission, a search of the hospital’s electronic medical records, patient database, billing records, and consultation history found no evidence that El-Rufai had ever been registered or treated at the facility.

The hospital also reportedly stated that the medical report presented before the court was issued without the knowledge or authorisation of its management.

In his ruling, Justice Khobo held that a medical report repudiated by the institution said to have issued it could not serve as a valid basis for granting bail.

The judge consequently dismissed the application but directed the ICPC to ensure that El-Rufai has unrestricted access to his personal physicians while in custody.

Justice Khobo also ordered the anti-corruption agency to escort the former governor to any specialised diagnostic or medical facility of his choice within Nigeria whenever such treatment becomes necessary during the course of the trial.

El-Rufai is currently facing a nine-count charge filed by the ICPC, 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 former governor had earlier sought bail, but the court declined the request in April, ruling that it was in the interest of justice for him to remain in custody to ensure his availability throughout the trial.

In addition to the Kaduna State High Court proceedings, the ICPC is also prosecuting El-Rufai in a separate case before the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

According to the commission, the former governor has remained in ICPC custody since February 19 after he was released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The case is expected to continue as the prosecution and defence present further evidence before the court.