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

Justice Darius Khobo, who presided over the matter, delivered the ruling on Monday, rejecting the application, which was the third bail request made by the former governor.

According to the ICPC, the application was based on medical grounds, with El-Rufai relying on a medical report marked as “Exhibit A.” The report, purportedly issued by the National Hospital, Abuja, claimed he had been diagnosed with advanced metastatic prostate cancer requiring specialised treatment unavailable in Nigeria.

However, the anti-graft agency told the court that it obtained documentary evidence from the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, Abuja, Muhammad Raji Mahmud, contradicting the claim.

The ICPC said the hospital’s records showed no evidence that El-Rufai had ever been treated at the facility, noting that there was no hospital number, patient file, billing record, consultation history or any other record linked to him.

The commission further stated that the hospital disowned the medical report, saying it was issued without the knowledge or approval of its management.

In his ruling, Justice Khobo held that a medical report repudiated by the institution that supposedly issued it could not be relied upon to justify granting bail.

The judge, however, directed the ICPC to allow El-Rufai unrestricted access to his personal physicians. He also ordered the commission to escort him to any specialised diagnostic or medical facility of his choice within Nigeria whenever necessary during the trial.

El-Rufai is standing trial on a nine-count charge 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 court had earlier, in April, refused his bail application, ruling that it was in the interest of justice for him to remain in custody to ensure the smooth conduct of the trial.

Apart from the Kaduna State High Court case, the ICPC is also prosecuting the former governor on separate charges before the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

El-Rufai has remained in ICPC custody since February 19 after he was released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).