Jul 2, 2026

El-Rufai’s Cancer Claim Collapses as Court Rejects Third Bail Bid

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Kaduna, Nigeria – July 2, 2026 – In a significant setback for former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, a Kaduna State High Court has dismissed his third bail application, this time sought on medical grounds, after the credibility of a key medical report was sharply undermined in open court.

Honourable Justice D. H. Khobo delivered the ruling on June 29, 2026, in the ongoing criminal proceedings brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The court found that the medical document — purportedly from the National Hospital, Abuja, claiming advanced metastatic prostate cancer requiring treatment unavailable in Nigeria — lacked authenticity.

ICPC prosecutors presented compelling counter-evidence from the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Muhammad Raji Mahmud.

A thorough search of the hospital’s electronic records revealed no patient file, hospital number, billing record, or any trace of treatment for El-Rufai.

The institution formally disowned the document, confirming it was issued without authorization.

Justice Khobo ruled that such a discredited report could not form the basis for granting the exceptional relief of bail on health grounds.

With the evidentiary foundation collapsed, the court found no sufficient material to justify exercising discretion in the former governor’s favor.

Despite denying bail, the judge ordered the ICPC to continue providing El-Rufai with unrestricted access to his personal physicians and to escort him to any specialized medical facility of his choice within Nigeria during the trial.

The Commission has pledged full compliance with this directive.

El-Rufai faces multiple charges related to alleged abuse of office, financial misconduct, and improper handling of public funds during his tenure as governor.

The ICPC accuses him and co-defendants of converting and possessing public property, along with money laundering involving billions of naira for projects that were allegedly not executed or irregularly managed.

This latest ruling keeps the polarizing former governor in ICPC custody as the trial proceeds, with hearings scheduled to continue on July 7 and 8.

El-Rufai has consistently denied all allegations, maintaining his innocence throughout the protracted legal battle that began earlier in 2026.

The case has drawn intense public attention, highlighting tensions between high-profile political figures and anti-corruption agencies.

Supporters of El-Rufai view the proceedings as politically motivated, while proponents of the ICPC see it as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to holding leaders accountable regardless of status.

The court’s firm stance on the need for verifiable evidence in medical bail applications sends a clear message: exceptional claims require exceptional proof.

As the substantive trial unfolds, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how justice balances due process, health considerations, and the fight against corruption in the public sphere.

The ICPC reiterated its commitment to professionalism, fairness, and adherence to the rule of law, while ensuring the rights of the accused are protected.

For El-Rufai, the path to freedom now hinges on the full determination of the charges against him.