Proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja are adjourned to April 23, 2026, after the Department of State Services (DSS) fails to arraign former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in court as scheduled.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the prosecution informs the court that the defendant is currently in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and requests a two-week adjournment to enable the DSS produce him for arraignment.
During the proceedings, counsel to El-Rufai, Wole Iyamu (SAN), challenges the request for additional time, arguing that the DSS does not require an extended adjournment since his client remains within the custody of a sister federal agency. He maintains that inter-agency coordination should not delay the arraignment process.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the presiding judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, grants an adjournment to April 23, 2026 — a date exceeding the two weeks sought by the prosecution. The development effectively postpones consideration of key pending applications before the court.
As a result of the adjournment, the court does not entertain arguments on two applications filed by the defence seeking to quash the charges instituted by the DSS. The court also defers hearing on the bail application submitted on behalf of the former governor.
Mediaplusng.com further reports that the DSS files the charges against El-Rufai on February 16, 2026, prompting his legal team to initiate a court challenge shortly afterward, contesting the legal basis and validity of the allegations.
Available court records indicate that El-Rufai has remained in federal custody since February 16, 2026, when he voluntarily presents himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for questioning. The ICPC subsequently assumes custody on February 18, 2026.
As of the latest court session, the ICPC has not granted administrative bail, and the matter continues to generate legal and public interest, particularly regarding inter-agency custody arrangements and procedural timelines.
Legal analysts note that the adjournment underscores the procedural complexities often associated with multi-agency investigations and prosecutions involving high-profile public figures.
Observers also point out that the outcome of the pending applications — including the motion to quash and the bail request — may significantly shape the direction of the case when proceedings resume.
The Federal High Court is expected to reconvene on April 23, 2026, for further proceedings, at which time the DSS is anticipated to produce the defendant and formally proceed with arraignment, subject to compliance with court directives.
The case remains under judicial consideration, with all parties expected to present their arguments in accordance with established legal procedures and constitutional safeguards.
