El-Rufai Denied Bail in Phone-Tapping Allegations
From Our Correspondent.
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday rejected an oral bail application for Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, former Kaduna State governor, and scheduled his arraignment for April 23, 2026, over alleged cybercrime offenses.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik noted that the court was not yet properly seized of the matter, as the defendant had not been arraigned. The charges, filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), accuse El-Rufai of violations of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The case, designated FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, could not proceed to arraignment due to El-Rufai’s absence. Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), representing the DSS, informed the court that El-Rufai was with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) for a separate investigation, and that the DSS had no authority over the agency, requesting an adjournment.
While defence counsel Oluwole Iyamu did not oppose the adjournment, he urged the court to grant bail to El-Rufai pending arraignment, supported by judicial authorities. The DSS opposed the bail, arguing that it was premature as the defendant had yet to be formally arraigned.
