\
The former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, could not be arraigned on Wednesday over his alleged unlawful interception of the phone communication of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
This follows the failure of the Department of State Services (DSS) to produce El-Rufai for trial.
It will be recalled that the former governor, who was initially detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)—which is also investigating money laundering allegations against him—was later transferred to the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
While in ICPC’s custody, the court gave the DSS the nod to dock him on a three-count charge that bordered on alleged threat to national security.
When the case was called up on Wednesday, the court was told that the ICPC still retained the defendant in its custody.
In view of the development, trial Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the case till April 23.
El-Rufai, who was governor between 2015 and 2023 and also Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, was billed to appear before trial Justice Abdulmalik to enter his plea.