The arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was stalled today, following his absence in court, with the trial judge, Justice Joyce Abdumalik, adjourning proceedings to April 23, 2026.
At the resumed sitting, prosecution counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye, informed the court that although the matter was scheduled for arraignment, the defendant could not be produced as he was currently in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, urging the court to adjourn the matter to March 10 to enable the anti-graft agency produce his client, adding that the DSS had no control over the ICPC, despite being a sister agency.
Meanwhile, Defence Counsel, Oluwole Iyamu, while he did not oppose the application for adjournment, told the court that based on discussions with the prosecution, the state would not oppose an application for bail. However, the prosecution confirmed in open court that the offences charged were bailable.
News men reports that the DSS had, on February 16, 2026, slammed a three-count charge against El-Rufai before the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
