Abuja — The legal troubles of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El‑Rufai deepened on Monday as the Federal High Court refused to entertain his bail application, declaring it premature, and adjourned the matter to April 23 for formal arraignment.
In a ruling that sent ripples through the political and legal landscape, the presiding judge held that the court was not yet properly seized of the case, as El-Rufai has not been arraigned. Until a plea is taken, the court ruled, a bail application cannot be considered.
El-Rufai was absent from court, with prosecutors explaining that he is currently in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over related investigations. Counsel for the Department of State Services, which filed the charges, told the court that the agency could not produce the former governor because he was being held by a sister security body.
Despite spirited arguments by the defence that continued detention without arraignment was oppressive and violated his rights, the prosecution insisted that bail can only be sought after arraignment. The court agreed, striking out the bail application and fixing April 23 for the next stage of proceedings.
The charges before the court allege that El-Rufai unlawfully intercepted telephone communications linked to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and failed to report those responsible to the authorities. Prosecutors also accuse him of deploying technical systems that allegedly compromised national security, offences said to be punishable under Nigeria’s cybercrime and communications laws.
All eyes are now on April 23, when El-Rufai is expected to be formally arraigned and enter his plea. Only then, the court made clear, can any application for bail be lawfully considered.
As the case unfolds, it has ignited intense national debate over due process, accountability, and the reach of state power, with political allies, legal minds, and civil society groups watching closely what could become one of Nigeria’s most consequential trials in recent times.
PIONEER NEWS 