DSS Arraigns El-Rufai For Allegedly Intercepting Ribadu’s Phone Conversation

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, for allegedly intercepting the phone conversation of Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser.

Nasir El-Rufai is facing five amended charges in a federal high court in Abuja.

At the commencement of the court proceedings on Thursday, the prosecution informed the court that the charges had been updated from three to five counts.

As a result, Judge Joyce Abdulmalik dismissed the previous charges.

El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to the new charges.

Following the plea, Oluwole Aladeloye, the DSS’s lawyer, asked the court to set trial dates.

However, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Oluwole Iyamu, objected, explaining that he needed more time to consult with his client, who has been held by various security agencies.

Iyamu also pointed out that a bail application was filed on February 17, with a recent affidavit submitted.

Judge Abdulmalik responded that she had not received the affidavit and criticized Iyamu for failing to ensure proper filing.

She also expressed displeasure over the presence of camera personnel in the courtroom, which she called unnecessary drama.

Iyamu denied inviting the photographers, and the judge decided to pause the proceedings until the issue of the affidavit was resolved.

ALSO READ: Nasir El-Rufai To Remain In Custody Till June As Court Adjourns His Bail Application