El-Rufai To Remain In ICPC Custody After Bail Denial
A Kaduna State High Court has refused the bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, ordering that he remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Justice Diruis Khobo, who delivered the ruling on Monday, held that El-Rufai failed to provide sufficient evidence and convincing documents to justify the exercise of the court’s discretion in his favour.
The judge ruled that the application lacked merit and did not disclose any exceptional circumstances that would warrant granting bail pending the determination of the case.
The ruling was delivered in the absence of the former governor, who was not physically present in court.
However, the court directed the ICPC to grant El-Rufai unhindered access to his medical team or any medical facility of his choice within Nigeria whenever medical attention is required while in custody.
Justice Khobo also adjourned the matter until July 7 and 8 for the continuation of hearing.
El-Rufai is facing a nine-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office and related offences brought against him by the ICPC.
He was first arraigned on March 18 alongside the Managing Director of TMDK Terminal Limited, Amadu Sule.
The anti-graft agency had initially filed a 10-count charge against the defendants, alleging abuse of office, fraud and conferring undue advantage.
However, the ICPC later amended the charge after withdrawing Sule from the proceedings, leaving El-Rufai as the sole defendant facing a reduced nine-count charge before the court.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
