The Federal High Court has pushed Nasir El-Rufai’s arraignment to April 23 after the former governor failed to appear in court on Wednesday.
El-Rufai is accused of breaching the Cybercrimes Prohibition Act and the Nigerian Communications Act following a television interview where he allegedly admitted to intercepting the NSA’s phone communications.
During the proceedings, the DSS informed the court that El-Rufai is currently being held by the ICPC for a different matter.
While the defence team requested bail, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik denied the plea, stating that the court cannot consider bail until the defendant is formally arraigned and his plea is taken.
The Federal Government had filed a three-count charge against El-Rufai, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The charges were filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
According to the charges, El-Rufai allegedly admitted during an interview on Arise TV on February 13, 2026, that he and others intercepted the phone calls of the National Security Adviser.
He was also accused of knowing someone involved in the alleged interception and failing to report the person to security agencies.
The government further alleged that he and others used technical equipment to intercept phone communications in a way that could threaten national security and cause fear among Nigerians.
Hearing and arraignment have been fixed for April 23.
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