Kaduna court denies El-Rufai’s bail application

In a significant legal development, the Kaduna State High Court has refused to grant bail to former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, a decision that underscores the gravity with which the judiciary is treating the allegations against him. Justice D.H. Khobo, presiding over the case, determined that the seriousness of the charges, coupled with a credible apprehension of interference with ongoing investigations, outweighed the grounds presented for El-Rufai's release.

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In the instant application, given the gravity of the nine-count charge against the Defendant/Applicant, the Respondent’s credible apprehension regarding the interference with the ongoing investigations linked to other persons still at large… the interest of justice is best served by ensuring the Applicant remains available for an accelerated trial.

El-Rufai had sought bail, either on self-recognisance or liberal terms, citing the non-capital nature of the alleged offenses and his strong community ties. He also raised health concerns, claiming a need for specialist medical attention. However, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) strongly opposed the application, labeling the offenses as "economically sabotaging" and arguing that El-Rufai posed a flight risk and a potential threat to witnesses.

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The Applicant in my view has failed to provide sufficient medical evidence to justify the grant of bail on health grounds.

The court's ruling emphasizes the need for El-Rufai to be available for an accelerated trial, particularly given the allegations of obstruction of law enforcement officers and interference with investigations involving other individuals still at large. The judge specifically noted the lack of sufficient medical evidence to justify bail on health grounds, a key point in the former governor's plea. This decision reflects a stringent stance against corruption and obstruction, signaling that even high-profile individuals are subject to rigorous judicial scrutiny in Nigeria.

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the offences were not capital in nature and therefore carried a presumption in favour of bail.