The Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday failed to arraign former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja.
During proceedings, the prosecution requested a two-week adjournment to allow the DSS produce El-Rufai, who is currently in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
Counsel to El-Rufai, Wole Iyamu (SAN), argued that the DSS did not need additional time to present his client, noting that he was being held by a sister government agency and could easily be produced in court.
Presiding judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, adjourned the matter to April 23, 2026 — a two-month break that exceeded the two weeks requested by the prosecution.
As a result, pending applications to quash the DSS charges and El-Rufai’s bail request were not heard.
The DSS had filed the charges on February 16, prompting El-Rufai’s legal team to challenge them in court.
El-Rufai has remained in federal custody since February 16, when he voluntarily reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The ICPC assumed custody on the night of February 18 and has yet to grant him administrative bail.
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