By Our Correspondent
ABUJA — A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the bail hearing of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, ruling that his application cannot be considered until he is formally arraigned.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that the court was yet to assume full jurisdiction over the matter, as the defendant had not entered a plea to the charges brought against him.
The judge subsequently fixed a new date for further proceedings, effectively delaying any decision on the former governor’s request for bail.
During proceedings, counsel to El-Rufai urged the court to grant bail pending arraignment. However, the prosecution opposed the application, arguing that such a request was procedurally premature.
Agreeing with the prosecution, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that bail applications can only be entertained after a defendant has been arraigned and has taken a plea.
Nasir El-Rufai
El-Rufai is facing a three-count charge filed by the Federal Government, bordering on alleged violations of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The charges include allegations that he unlawfully intercepted telephone communications linked to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, an act prosecutors say could have serious national security implications.
The case is reportedly tied to statements attributed to El-Rufai during a television interview earlier in 2026, in which he allegedly made disclosures relating to the interception of communications.
At a previous sitting, the prosecution informed the court that El-Rufai was unavailable for arraignment, as he remained in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over a separate investigation.
His absence has led to repeated delays in the commencement of trial, with the court unable to proceed without his formal appearance.
The ongoing case adds to a series of legal and investigative issues involving the former governor, contributing to delays in judicial proceedings.
Legal analysts say the insistence on arraignment before bail aligns with established court procedures, though it prolongs uncertainty surrounding the high-profile case.
The matter has been adjourned to a later date for arraignment, after which the court is expected to entertain a fresh bail application.
Until then, proceedings remain in limbo as both prosecution and defence prepare for the next phase of the trial.
