El-Rufai's Arraignment Delayed Over Absence in Court

The arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai by the Department of State Services (DSS) was delayed due to his absence from court. The DSS planned to arraign El-Rufai on allegations of intercepting phone communications related to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik informed the court that the proceedings could not continue without the former governor present. The DSS's legal counsel, Oluwol Aladedoy, indicated that the case was part of an ongoing investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

El-Rufai's counsel, Oluwol Iyamu, requested an adjournment and bail for his client, citing severe legal implications. The court subsequently rescheduled the arraignment for April 23, 2026, after initially setting it for February 16, 2026.

The DSS has filed three counts of charges against El-Rufai, alleging offenses contrary to Section 12(1) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024.