El-Rufai’s Arraignment Stalled As DSS Fails To Produce Him In Court

The planned arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations of unlawful interception of the National Security Adviser’s (NSA) phone, Nuhu Ribadu, was stalled on Wednesday after the Department of State Services (DSS) failed to produce him in court.

The DSS had filed a three-count charge accusing El-Rufai of unlawfully intercepting phone communications and breaching the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

When the case was called, prosecution counsel, Oluwole Aladeloye (SAN), told the court that the arraignment could not proceed as the defendant was not present.

He explained that El-Rufai was currently with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and requested an adjournment to allow the DSS to liaise with the ICPC for his production.

El-Rufai’s lawyer, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), expressed concern over the absence of his client, arguing that producing him should have been straightforward since he was in custody of a related security agency.

READ ALSO

•El-Rufai Sues ICPC ₦1bn Over Unlawful Invasion Of Abuja Home

•Charge El-Rufai To Court Or Release Him, ADC Chieftain Tells ICPC

Iyamu cited sections 158 and 159 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, urging the court to either hear the pending bail application or order the defendant’s production on the next date.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the issue of bail was premature, as El-Rufai had not yet been properly brought before the court.

She adjourned the matter to April 23 for arraignment, stressing that it was the prosecution’s responsibility to ensure the defendant’s presence in court.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.

Related posts:

Alleged Bribery: Ganduje’s Arraignment Stalled Over Inability To Serve Criminal Charges On Him Tax Evasion: Arraignment Of Binance Executive Stalled As Court Adjourns To April 8 Alleged Money Laundering: Court Orders EFCC To Produce Finance Commissioner For Arraignment Money Ritual: Court Adjourns Trial As Anambra Govt Fails To Produce Three Native Doctors