Court Adjourns El-Rufai’s Arraignment to April 23
- Feb 25
- 2 min read
The planned arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, did not proceed on Wednesday after he was absent from court. Justice Joyce Abdumalik consequently postponed the matter until April 23, 2026.
At the resumed hearing, the prosecution informed the court that although the case was slated for arraignment, the defendant could not be presented because he is currently being held by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. Prosecuting counsel explained that the agency detaining him operates independently and could not be compelled by other security bodies to produce him.
Defence counsel did not oppose the request for adjournment but indicated that discussions with the prosecution suggested there would be no resistance to a bail application. The prosecution confirmed in open court that the charges filed are legally bailable.
The defence, however, urged the court to entertain the bail request immediately, arguing that continued detention without arraignment would be unjust. Counsel maintained that his client had not been formally brought before the court and should not remain in custody any longer than necessary.
In response, the prosecution asked the court to delay consideration of bail, insisting that the application should not precede arraignment. The trial judge agreed, ruling that bail could not be addressed until the defendant is formally arraigned, describing the request as premature under the law.
The case stems from charges filed by the Department of State Services before the Federal High Court in Abuja, alleging unlawful interception of the communications of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The allegations reportedly relate to statements made during a televised interview.
The former governor has challenged the charges, asking the court to dismiss them on constitutional grounds. He also seeks substantial damages, accusing the security agency of misusing the judicial process to target and embarrass him publicly. The court is expected to address the arraignment when proceedings resume in April.
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