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By Oscar Okhifo
Former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El‑Rufai did not appear in Abuja’s Federal High Court on Wednesday, forcing the adjournment of his arraignment on charges of unlawful phone interception.
The arraignment, originally scheduled for Wednesday, has now been postponed to April 23, 2026. He faces a three‑count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged unlawful interception of telephone communications, including monitoring the phone of the National Security Adviser.
At the start of proceedings, the prosecution informed the court that El‑Rufai could not be produced because he remains in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), pending separate investigations.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik emphasized that the arraignment cannot proceed without the defendant’s presence and formally adjourned the case to April 23.
Speaking after the adjournment, Oluwole Aladeloye, SAN, prosecuting counsel for the DSS, said, “We remain committed to ensuring all legal processes are followed. The production of the defendant depends on coordination with ICPC, and we will ensure compliance with the court’s directives.”
The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory voluntarily reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16, 2026, in response to an invitation and was held in the agency’s custody for a few days.
He was granted administrative bail on February 18 but, was immediately arrested and taken into ICPC custody, where he has remained.
Expressing frustration at his continued detention, lead counsel Femi Okurounmu said, “Our client has not been brought to court for arraignment despite the charges filed against him. We are challenging these charges as unconstitutional and an abuse of court process.”
The detention of the former governor has drawn attention from political leaders, associates and civil society groups.
Former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar called for transparency, stating, “Authorities must disclose the whereabouts of El‑Rufai and ensure his access to legal representation and medical care.”
As the case continues to unfold, it raises critical questions about constitutional rights, national security, and the powers of anti‑corruption agencies in prosecuting former public officials, keeping the nation closely watching developments in Abuja.