Kaduna, 2 July 2026
A Kaduna State High Court has refused bail to former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai in an ongoing corruption case, after the National Hospital in Abuja disowned a medical report submitted in support of the application.
Justice D. H. Khobo delivered the ruling on 29 June 2026, dismissing Mr El-Rufai’s third bail application on medical grounds. The application relied on a document, marked as Exhibit “A”, which purported to come from the National Hospital in Abuja. It claimed that Mr El-Rufai had been diagnosed with advanced metastatic prostate cancer and required specialised treatment allegedly unavailable in Nigeria.
The National Hospital strongly denied issuing or authorising the report. It informed the court that there were no records of Mr El-Rufai ever being treated at the facility. The hospital further stated that the name and signature of the doctor identified as Dr. Bayo on the report did not belong to any member of its staff. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) presented confirmation from the hospital’s Chief Medical Director supporting these findings.
Justice Khobo ruled that the medical evidence was unreliable and could not be relied upon to justify granting bail on health grounds. With no verified facts before the court to support the application, it was dismissed. Mr El-Rufai therefore remains in ICPC custody.
Despite refusing bail, the court directed the ICPC to ensure Mr El-Rufai has unrestricted access to his personal medical team and is escorted to any specialised diagnostic or treatment facility of his choice within Nigeria as required while the trial continues.
Mr El-Rufai faces charges including abuse of office, fraud and procurement-related offences. He has pleaded not guilty.
The court’s decision highlights the need for credible and verifiable medical evidence when bail is sought on health grounds in serious criminal cases.
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