The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to April 23, 2026, following the Department of State Services’ (DSS) failure to produce him in court.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik made the ruling after the prosecution informed the court that El-Rufai remains in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for an ongoing investigation into alleged misappropriation of funds during his tenure.
The DSS had filed a three-count charge against El-Rufai for alleged unlawful interception of communications, stemming from comments he made during a television interview.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, was assigned by Chief Judge John Tsoho and initially scheduled for February 25, 2026, but could not proceed due to the defendant’s absence.
Defense counsel applied for bail, but Justice Abdulmalik rejected the plea as premature, stating that bail could only be considered after arraignment.
The judge emphasized that it was the prosecution’s responsibility to ensure the defendant’s presence. This development adds to El-Rufai’s ongoing legal battles, including a N1 billion suit against the ICPC for alleged unlawful invasion of his residence.
The charges relate to violations of the Cybercrimes Act, specifically involving the alleged phone-tapping of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. El-Rufai has denied the allegations, describing them as politically motivated amid his criticism of the current administration.
The adjournment provides time for coordination between agencies, but it raises questions about inter-agency cooperation and the handling of high-profile cases.
In the body or conclusion: “This development adds to El-Rufai’s ongoing legal battles, including his N1bn suit against ICPC for residence invasion and Atiku’s demand for transparency on his detention.”
This case highlights tensions in Nigeria’s political landscape, with calls for transparency in investigations involving former officials.