El-Rufai’s Absence in Court Leads to Adjournment
Abuja
The arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, before a Federal High Court in Abuja was on Wednesday stalled following his absence, leading to an adjournment of the case to April 23. The matter, which was scheduled for hearing, could not proceed as the defendant was not produced in court at the appointed time.
The court, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, was informed that El-Rufai’s absence was due to his unavailability, prompting the prosecution to seek an adjournment. After listening to submissions from counsel, the judge granted the request and fixed April 23 for the former governor’s arraignment at the Federal High Court.
Prosecuting counsel told the court that El-Rufai was not brought to court because he was still in custody of security agencies. Conflicting explanations were given regarding whether the former governor was being held by the Department of State Services or the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, a development that further complicated proceedings.
El-Rufai is facing a three-count charge bordering on alleged unlawful activities linked to his time in office. The case has continued to attract national attention, with legal observers keenly watching how the prosecution and security agencies will handle his appearance when the matter resumes later in April.
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