KEY POINTS

• El-Rufai’s arraignment was postponed to April 23, 2026, because he was not produced in court.
• Prosecutors say he remains in ICPC custody over separate investigations, preventing proceedings.
• The case has sparked political and legal debate about due process, detention powers, and constitutional rights.

The planned arraignment of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El‑Rufai was stalled on Wednesday after he failed to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Proceedings could not continue because Nigerian law requires a defendant to be physically present before charges can be formally read.

The court, sitting in Abuja, consequently adjourned the matter until April 23, 2026.

The case stems from a three-count charge filed by the Department of State Services, accusing Nasir El-Rufai of unlawfully intercepting telephone communications, including allegedly monitoring the phone of the National Security Adviser.

Prosecutors argue the alleged actions breach laws governing privacy, surveillance, and national security procedures.

Detention by ICPC Prevents Appearance

At the start of proceedings, prosecuting counsel informed the court that Nasir El-Rufai could not be produced because he is currently in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over separate investigations.

Presiding judge Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the arraignment could not legally proceed without the defendant and ordered a new date.

Lead prosecutor Oluwole Aladeloye stated after the adjournment that authorities remain committed to due process. He explained that producing Nasir El-Rufai in court depends on coordination between agencies currently handling his detention.

Before being transferred to ICPC custody, El-Rufai had voluntarily honored an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16, 2026. He was held for several days, granted administrative bail on February 18, and then immediately taken into ICPC custody, where he has remained.