Justice Joyce Abdulmalik was informed by DSS counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), that El-Rufai was still with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for investigation on other matters, and the DSS has no control over the agency.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the cybercrime case against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to April 23 after he failed to appear in court on Wednesday.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik was informed by DSS counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), that El-Rufai was still with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for investigation on other matters, and the DSS has no control over the agency.
El-Rufai’s lawyer, Oluwole Iyamu, did not oppose the adjournment but demanded bail for the former governor.
The DSS objected, arguing that bail could only be considered after formal arraignment.
Justice Abdulmalik denied the bail request, saying the court was not yet seized of the matter.
The federal government’s three-count charge alleges that on February 13, during an interview on Arise TV Station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, El-Rufai admitted intercepting the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Count one alleges unlawful interception in violation of Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024.
Count two accuses him of failing to report those involved, contrary to Section 27(b) of the Act. Count three claims he used technical equipment to compromise public safety and national security, violating Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
Join us on our WhatsApp Platform @KOIKIMEDIA NEWS YOUR PAGE
koikimedia Bringing the World 🌎 Closer to Your Doorstep