Court Denies El-Rufai Bail, Orders ICPC To Grant Medical Access

A Kaduna State High Court has refused the bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who is standing trial on a nine-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office.

Delivering the ruling on Monday, Justice Darius Khobo held that the application lacked merit, ruling that the defence failed to present sufficient and convincing evidence to justify the exercise of the court's discretion in granting bail.

According to the judge, no credible documents or reliable materials were placed before the court to support the application.

The proceedings were conducted in the absence of El-Rufai, who remains in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

Although the court declined to grant bail, Justice Khobo directed the ICPC to grant the former governor unrestricted access to his medical team or any medical facility of his choice within Nigeria for appropriate medical treatment.

The court further ordered that El-Rufai remain in the custody of the anti-graft agency pending the determination of the case.

Justice Khobo subsequently adjourned the matter to July 7 and 8, 2026, for the continuation of trial.

El-Rufai, who served as Governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023, is being prosecuted by the ICPC over allegations that he abused his office by breaching public procurement and financial management regulations in the award and execution of government contracts during his administration.

The former governor has pleaded not guilty to all nine counts.

His legal team maintains that the charges are politically motivated and lack merit, while the ICPC insists it possesses sufficient documentary and witness evidence to prove the allegations before the court.

The trial is expected to continue when both parties return to court on the scheduled dates.