A Kaduna State High Court yesterday declined the bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai, holding that the application lacked merit.

The trial judge, Justice Diruis Khobo, ruled that the former governor failed to place sufficient material before the court to warrant the exercise of its discretion in his favour.

El-Rufai is standing trial on a nine-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office and related offences instituted against the former governor by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The court proceedings were conducted in the absence of the defendant, who was not physically present when the ruling on his bail application was delivered.

In his ruling, Justice Khobo held that the applicant failed to present reliable evidence and convincing documents to justify the grant of bail.

The judge also held that the application did not disclose exceptional circumstances that would persuade the court to admit the defendant to bail pending the determination of the case.

But the court directed the ICPC to grant El-Rufai unhindered access to his medical team or any medical facility of his choice within the country for necessary medical attention while in custody.

Justice Khobo also ordered that the former governor should remain in the custody of the anti-graft agency.

He adjourned the case till July 7 and 8 to continue the hearing.

El-Rufai was first arraigned by the ICPC on March 18, alongside the Managing Director of TMDK Terminal Limited, Amadu Sule, before the Kaduna State High Court.

The anti-corruption commission had initially filed a 10-count charge against the defendants, accusing them of alleged abuse of office and fraud with the intent to commit fraud and confer undue advantage, among other allegations.

But the ICPC subsequently amended the charge following the withdrawal of one of the defendants, Ahmadu Sule, from the proceedings.

With the amendment, Sule was dropped from the case, leaving El-Rufai as the sole defendant now standing trial on a reduced nine-count charge before the court. (The Nation)

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