Court Declines El-Rufai's Bail Plea, Sets New Date

On Wednesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja declined to hear the bail application of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, stating that the application was premature. The court held that El-Rufai was not yet in custody, as discussions were ongoing between the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) regarding his case.

The court adjourned the proceedings to April 23 to enable the DSS to coordinate with the ICPC to produce El-Rufai in court. The prosecution, led by Oluwol Aladeloy SAN, informed the court that the defense was not present due to El-Rufai's absence.

The DSS has filed three counts against El-Rufai, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting telephone communications and breaching the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003, with implications for national security as advised by the NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.