ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — Confusion over the custody and prosecution of former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and ex-Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, continued on Wednesday as his scheduled arraignment at the Federal High Court in Abuja was stalled.
El-Rufai was absent in court, prompting his defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu, to request an adjournment. Presiding Judge Justice Joyce Abdumalik granted the request, noting that the defendant’s absence rendered his bail application premature.
The case has now been adjourned to April 23, 2026. El-Rufai is facing a three-count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS). The allegations include:
- Cybercrimes — unlawful interception of communications.
- Violation of the Nigerian Communications Act (2003).
- Interception of the phone conversation of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, which the DSS claims El-Rufai admitted to during a televised interview.
The charges were brought under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Communications Act.
