A Kaduna High Court has dismissed a fresh bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in his ongoing trial over a nine-count charge brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

Justice Darius Khobo, who presided over the matter, on Monday rejected the third bail application submitted by El-Rufai. The application was based on medical grounds.

According to a statement issued by the ICPC, the former governor relied on a medical report marked as “Exhibit A,” which was purportedly issued by National Hospital Abuja. The report allegedly stated that El-Rufai had been diagnosed with advanced metastatic prostate cancer and required specialised treatment unavailable in Nigeria.

However, during the court proceedings, the anti-corruption agency presented documentary evidence from Muhammad Raji Mahmud, Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, Abuja, challenging the authenticity of the report.

The ICPC said the hospital’s records showed no evidence that El-Rufai had ever been treated at the facility. According to the document submitted by the hospital, searches of its electronic medical records, patient files, billing records and consultation history revealed no hospital number, treatment record or any trace of the former governor in its system.

The commission further stated that the purported medical report was issued without the knowledge or authorisation of the hospital’s management.

In his ruling, Justice Khobo held that a medical report disowned by the institution that allegedly issued it could not form the basis for granting the reliefs sought by the applicant.

The court, however, directed the ICPC to grant El-Rufai unrestricted access to his personal doctors and facilitate visits to any specialised diagnostic or medical facility of his choice within Nigeria while the trial continues.

El-Rufai is facing nine counts 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 previously rejected his bail application in April, ruling that it was in the interest of justice for him to remain in custody to ensure his availability for trial.

The ICPC is also prosecuting the former governor in a separate case before the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

El-Rufai has remained in ICPC custody since February 19, following his release by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. He was briefly released in March to attend the burial of his mother.