El-Rufai Faces Arraignment for Cybercrimes Over Phone-Tapping Allegations

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is set to be arraigned at the Federal High Court, Abuja on Wednesday over alleged cybercrimes involving unlawful phone-tapping during his tenure.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik fixed April 23 for the formal arraignment after the Department of State Services (DSS) filed a three-count charge against El-Rufai. The charges relate to alleged interception of phone communications belonging to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

The DSS accused El-Rufai of breaching the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003. According to the charge sheet, the former governor admitted during a February 13 interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme that he and his associates unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s phone communications.

Bail request denied

El-Rufai’s counsel, Mr. Oluwole Iyamu, sought bail for his client, citing several court authorities. The DSS opposed the application, arguing it was premature since formal arraignment had not yet taken place.

Justice Abdulmalik agreed with the DSS, declining to grant bail and noting that her court was not yet seized of the matter. She ruled that El-Rufai can apply for bail only after arraignment.

The arraignment had been stalled multiple times. El-Rufai was absent at a previous hearing because he was in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for a separate investigation. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Oluwole Aladedoye, who appeared for the DSS, informed the court that the agency had no control over the ICPC’s custody of the former governor.

This cybercrimes case is separate from the ICPC corruption probe that led to El-Rufai’s continued detention. The former governor has maintained his innocence in both cases.

Sources: Daily Times Nigeria, BusinessDay, allAfrica.com, TV360 Nigeria