Why DSS failed to arraign El-Rufai, court sets new date for trial
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This development was confirmed by El-Rufai’s media aide in a statement, noting that the former governor has been in the custody of federal agencies since February 16, 2026, when he voluntarily reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday revealed why the Department of State Services (DSS) could not arraign Malam Nasir El-Rufai, adjourning the case to April 23, 2026.
The prosecutor had requested a two-week delay to produce El-Rufai, who remains in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Justice Joyce Abdulmalik extended the adjournment to two months, meaning that the two applications to quash the DSS charges and the bail application were not taken.
This development was confirmed by El-Rufai’s media aide in a statement, noting that the former governor has been in the custody of federal agencies since February 16, 2026, when he voluntarily reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He was transferred to ICPC custody on the night of February 18 and has not been granted administrative bail.
The DSS filed the charges on February 16, 2026, prompting El-Rufai’s lawyers to file applications to quash them. His legal team, led by Wole Iyamu SAN, argued that the DSS did not require an adjournment to produce El-Rufai from ICPC custody.
The court’s adjournment now sets the stage for the arraignment and further consideration of the legal challenges, including the request to quash the charges and the bail application, on April 23, 2026.
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