Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed April 23 for the arraignment of former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, in the cybercrime and breach of the Communication Act charge brought against him by the Federal Government
The Federal Government’s bid to arraign el-Rufai yesterday failed due to his absence in court.
The ex-governor, who was to be docked for his plea of guilty or not guilty over his alleged complicity in cybercrime and breach of the Communications Act, was not in court when the case was called.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Oluwole Aladedoye, standing for the Department of State Services (DSS), informed the court that the former governor was still undergoing investigation with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
He said the DSS has no control over the sister agency and therefore requested an adjournment to March 23.
Lawyer to El-Rufai, Mr Oluwole Iyamu, did not oppose the adjournment request, but vehemently demanded bail for his client.
He cited several authorities to support the bail request, even as the prosecution opposed the proposal on the ground that it was premature, arguing that the issue of bail can only be raised after formal arraignment.
Justice Abdulmalik, after entertaining all arguments, declined to grant the bail request, agreeing that el-Rufai could only apply for bail after the arraignment.
The judge subsequently fixed April 23 for the arraignment.
