RismadarVoice Reporters, February 25, 2026
The arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was on Wednesday stalled at the Federal High Court in Abuja after the defence failed to produce him in court.
El-Rufai is facing a three-count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) over the alleged wiretapping of the phone of the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu.
At the hearing, defence counsel, Mr. Oluwole Iyamu, informed the court that his client was currently in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and could not be presented for arraignment.
Iyamu appealed for an adjournment to enable the defendant’s production, also urged the court to hear a pending bail application. He noted that the prosecution had indicated it would not oppose bail, as the offences were bailable.
However, the prosecution counsel, Mr. Oluwole Aladedoye, opposed the request to entertain the bail application, arguing that it was premature since the defendant had not yet been formally arraigned.
In a brief ruling, Justice Joyce Abdumalik agreed with the prosecution, holding that the bail application could not be considered until after arraignment.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to April 23, 2026, for arraignment.
