MURIC urges El-Rufai’s lawyers to ensure integrity of court documents, renews call for bail

MURIC urges El-Rufai’s lawyers to ensure integrity of court documents, renews call for bail

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has urged the legal team of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to ensure that all documents presented before the court meet the highest standards of integrity, while reiterating its demand that the opposition politician be granted bail.

The faith-based civil rights organisation said although it has consistently defended El-Rufai’s fundamental rights, it would not compromise its commitment to justice, truth and fairness.

MURIC made its position known in a statement signed by the Chairman of its Kano State Chapter and Coordinator for the Northern States and Abuja, Malam Hassan Sani Indabawa.

According to the organisation, it has become increasingly concerned about what it described as the growing complexity surrounding the former governor’s bail applications, particularly the most recent application, which it said was reportedly supported by a medical report allegedly obtained from the National Hospital, Abuja.

The group claimed that the medical report was later disowned by the hospital’s management, citing reports that the Chief Medical Director allegedly informed investigators that the document was issued without the knowledge or authorisation of the hospital’s management.

MURIC said the reported development influenced the decision of a Kaduna High Court to dismiss El-Rufai’s third bail application.

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According to the organisation, the court reportedly held that a medical report whose authenticity had been questioned could not serve as the basis for granting the relief sought by the defendant.

While stressing that the authenticity of the document remains a matter for the appropriate authorities and the courts to determine, MURIC warned that if allegations surrounding the document are eventually established, it would raise serious concerns about the integrity of materials presented in judicial proceedings.

The organisation maintained that responsibility for ensuring the credibility of documents tendered before the court rests primarily with members of the legal team handling the case.

Despite expressing concern over the reported controversy, MURIC reaffirmed its support for El-Rufai’s constitutional rights, insisting that every Nigerian is entitled to a fair hearing and equal protection under the law.

The group recalled that it has repeatedly called on relevant authorities to respect the former governor’s fundamental rights, allow him access to his family and personal physicians, and ensure that he receives appropriate medical attention throughout the duration of his trial.

It also referenced a reported court order directing the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to grant El-Rufai unrestricted access to his personal doctors and permit him to seek treatment at any specialised diagnostic or medical facility of his choice within Nigeria, where necessary.

Quoting Qur’an 4:135, MURIC said its current position was guided by the Islamic principle of standing firmly for justice, even when doing so may not favour those it has publicly defended.

The organisation therefore urged El-Rufai’s lawyers and supporters to conduct the legal proceedings with restraint, professionalism and respect for due process.

“Anything presented before the court must have passed the necessary integrity test,” the group said.

MURIC also appealed to the judiciary to continue handling the case impartially, urging the courts to uphold the rule of law and dispense justice fairly without fear, favour or sentiment.

The organisation concluded by expressing confidence that adherence to due process, credible evidence and judicial independence remains the best path to achieving justice in the ongoing legal proceedings involving the former Kaduna State governor.

MURIC urges El-Rufai’s lawyers to ensure integrity of court documents, renews call for bail