El-Rufai’s bail plea rejected as court fixes April 23 for arraignment

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed April 23 for the arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged cybercrime and communication law violations.

The Federal Government was unable to arraign El-Rufai on Tuesday because he was not present in court. He is expected to take his plea — whether guilty or not guilty   when he appears.

A lawyer representing the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), told the court that El-Rufai was still with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for investigation.

He said the DSS could not control the activities of the ICPC and asked the court to adjourn the case.

El-Rufai’s lawyer, Oluwole Iyamu, did not oppose the request for adjournment but asked the court to grant his client bail. However, the government’s lawyer opposed the bail request, arguing that it was too early since El-Rufai had not yet been formally arraigned.

Justice Abdulmalik refused to grant bail, explaining that the court could only consider a bail application after the arraignment. She then fixed April 23 for the case to begin.

The Federal Government filed a three-count charge against El-Rufai, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

The charges were filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

According to the charges, El-Rufai allegedly admitted during an interview on Arise TV on February 13, 2026, that he and others intercepted the phone calls of the National Security Adviser.

He was also accused of knowing someone involved in the alleged interception and failing to report the person to security agencies.

The government further alleged that he and others used technical equipment to intercept phone communications in a way that could threaten national security and cause fear among Nigerians.
The case will continue on April 23.