Wiretapping: El-Rufai’s Absence Stalls DSS Arraignment

The planned arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, by the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday was stalled due to his absence in court.

El-Rufai was scheduled to be arraigned on charges bordering on alleged cybercrime and breach of the Communications Act. However, when the matter was called, the former governor was not present.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Oluwole Aladedoye, informed the court that El-Rufai was still in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which is also investigating him over separate allegations. He explained that the DSS had no control over the sister agency and sought an adjournment.

Counsel to El-Rufai, Oluwole Iyamu, did not oppose the request for adjournment but strongly applied for bail on behalf of his client, citing legal authorities to support the application.

The DSS opposed the bail request, arguing that it was premature since El-Rufai had not yet been formally arraigned.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik declined the bail application, stating that the court was yet to assume jurisdiction over the matter. She held that the defendant could only apply for bail after arraignment.

The court subsequently fixed April 23 for the arraignment.

The DSS had filed charges against El-Rufai over alleged involvement in the wiretapping of the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.