Phone-tapping allegations: El-Rufai denied bail

News Update

THE Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday declined an oral bail application filed on behalf of Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, former Kaduna State governor, and fixed April 23, 2026, for his arraignment over alleged cybercrime offences.

In her ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that the court was not yet properly seized of the matter, as the defendant had not been arraigned.

The charges were instituted by the Department of State Services (DSS), which accuses El-Rufai of breaching provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

The matter, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, could not proceed to arraignment as scheduled due to the absence of the defendant in court.

Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), Counsel to the DSS, informed the court that El-Rufai was with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in connection with a separate investigation.

He told the court that the DSS had no control over the sister agency and sought an adjournment.

Although Oluwole Iyamu, defence counsel, did not oppose the adjournment, he urged the court to grant his client bail pending arraignment, citing judicial authorities in support of the application.

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The DSS opposed the request, arguing that it was premature, as the defendant had not yet been formally arraigned.