El-Rufai's Court Arraignment Delayed Over Absence

The arraignment of Malam Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, by the Department of State Services (DSS) was stalled due to his absence in the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday. El-Rufai is facing allegations of cybercrime and breaches of the Nigerian Communications Act.

The charges, filed under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, include three counts related to unlawfully intercepting phone communications of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu during a television interview on February 13, 2026. The court, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, was informed by El-Rufai's counsel, Oluwol Aladedoy, that the DSS had requested an adjournment, which was granted until April 23, 2026.

The DSS opposed a bail request from El-Rufai's legal team, arguing it was premature since the formal arraignment had not yet occurred. The charges against El-Rufai include violations of the Cybercrime Prohibition and Prevention Act 2024 and the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.