The arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged cybercrime and national security breaches has been adjourned to April 23 after he was not produced in court.
At the resumed proceedings, the prosecutor, Oluwole Aladejoye, informed Justice Joyce Abdulmalik that the defendant remained in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission (ICPC), where he is reportedly under investigation for alleged misappropriation of funds.
The development followed the failure of the Department of State Services (DSS) to present El-Rufai in court for his scheduled arraignment. Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the matter to April 23 for arraignment.
El-Rufai is facing a three-count charge bordering on the alleged unlawful interception of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu’s phone communications, said to be in violation of the Cybercrimes Act.
He is also accused of using technical systems in a manner that allegedly compromised public safety and national security, and of instilling public apprehension, contrary to provisions of the Nigerian Communications Act.
The charges reportedly stem from comments he made during a February 13 interview on Arise News, in which he claimed knowledge of intercepted phone communications involving the National Security Adviser, allegedly relating to a planned arrest attempt against him.
