Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has suffered another legal setback after a Kaduna State High Court dismissed his latest application for bail in the ongoing criminal proceedings against him.
The ruling marks the third unsuccessful attempt by the former governor to secure bail since the commencement of the case.
Justice Darius Khobo delivered the ruling after considering an application filed on medical grounds. El-Rufai's legal team had argued that he was suffering from advanced metastatic prostate cancer and required specialised medical treatment that was allegedly unavailable within Nigeria, urging the court to grant him bail to access treatment.
However, the prosecution, led by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), challenged the application by questioning the authenticity of the medical report submitted before the court.
Investigators told the court that the National Hospital, Abuja, denied issuing the report relied upon by the defence.
According to the ICPC, checks conducted through the hospital's electronic medical records and patient database allegedly found no evidence that El-Rufai had been registered, admitted, treated, or consulted at the hospital in connection with the medical condition stated in the report.
Prosecutors argued that the document could therefore not be relied upon as credible evidence in support of the bail application.
In his ruling, Justice Khobo held that the medical report presented by the defence lacked sufficient credibility following the hospital's denial and could not justify granting bail.
The court consequently dismissed the application, leaving the former governor in custody as his trial continues.
The criminal proceedings against El-Rufai arise from charges filed by the ICPC relating to alleged abuse of office, corruption, and other offences committed during his tenure as Governor of Kaduna State.
The former governor has consistently denied all allegations and maintains that he is innocent of the charges brought against him.
This latest ruling follows earlier decisions in which the court also declined to grant bail.
Prosecutors have maintained that the seriousness of the charges and the circumstances surrounding the investigation require the trial to proceed without interruption.
Legal observers note that applications for bail on medical grounds are generally considered only when applicants provide convincing medical evidence showing that appropriate treatment cannot reasonably be obtained while in lawful custody.
Where such evidence is successfully challenged, courts may refuse the request, as occurred in this case.
The ruling has generated fresh public attention because of El-Rufai's high political profile and his continued involvement in national political discussions despite facing multiple court proceedings.
Supporters insist the former governor should be granted bail, while prosecutors argue that the legal process should be allowed to run its full course without interference.
With the bail application dismissed, the focus now shifts back to the substantive trial, where the prosecution is expected to continue presenting evidence in support of the charges.
El-Rufai's legal team retains the right to challenge the ruling through the appellate courts or file further applications should new circumstances arise.
The outcome of the case is expected to remain closely watched by political stakeholders, legal practitioners, and members of the public because of its potential implications for accountability, public office holders, and Nigeria's anti-corruption efforts.
As proceedings continue, the court will determine the matter solely on the evidence presented before it, while the former governor continues to enjoy the constitutional presumption of innocence unless proven guilty.