The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, on Wednesday, fixed April 23 for the arraignment of former Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai of Kaduna State by the Department of the State Service, DSS, on charges of cybercrime and breach of Communication act.
El-Rufai was not in court when the DSS case against him was called.
Counsel to DSS, Oluwole Aladedoye SAN, informed the court that the former governor was still with the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, for investigation on matters of corruption.
He said that DSS has no control over the sister agency and requested an adjourned to March 23.
Counsel to El-Rufai, Oluwole Iyamu, did not oppose adjournment, but vehemently demanded for bail for the former governor.
DSS lawyer, however, vehemently opposed the bail request on the ground that it was premature. He add that the issue of bail can only be raised after the formal arraignment.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, after taking the arguments, declined to grant the bail request, adding that her court was not yet seized of the matter.
The judge agreed that El-Rufai can only apply for bail after the arraignment.
Meanwhile, the Judge has fixed April 23 for the arraignment.
The DSS filed the charge against El-Rufai over his alleged involvement in wiretapping the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
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