A Kaduna State High Court has rejected the bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai, ruling that he failed to provide sufficient grounds to justify his release pending trial.

The court held that the application lacked merit and ordered the former governor to remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) as his trial continues.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Diruis Khobo said El-Rufai did not present credible evidence or convincing documents to persuade the court to exercise its discretion in his favour.

The judge further held that no exceptional circumstances had been established to warrant granting bail.

El-Rufai, who was absent when the ruling was delivered, is facing a nine-count charge filed by the ICPC over allegations of abuse of office and other related offences.

Despite refusing the application, the court directed the anti-graft agency to grant the former governor unrestricted access to his medical team or any medical facility of his choice within Nigeria whenever medical attention is required.

Justice Khobo subsequently ordered that El-Rufai remain in ICPC custody and adjourned the matter until July 7 and 8 for the continuation of trial.

The former governor was first arraigned before the Kaduna State High Court on March 18 alongside the Managing Director of TMDK Terminal Limited, Amadu Sule.

The ICPC had initially filed a 10-count charge against both defendants, accusing them of abuse of office, fraud, conspiracy and conferring undue advantage.

However, following an amendment to the charge, the commission removed Amadu Sule from the case, leaving El-Rufai as the sole defendant standing trial on a revised nine-count charge.