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Nasir El-Rufai Arraignment Stalled as Court Adjourns Cybercrime Case
Fabian Apechihin
The planned arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai over allegations of unlawful interception of the National Security Adviser’s phone communications was stalled on Tuesday after he was not produced in court.
Proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja could not go ahead when the Department of State Services (DSS) failed to present him for trial.
El-Rufai had initially been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with ongoing money laundering investigations before being transferred to the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
While in ICPC custody, the court granted permission for the DSS to arraign him on a three-count charge bordering on alleged threats to national security. However, when the case was called, the court was informed that he remained in ICPC custody.
Trial judge Justice Joyce Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the matter until April 23.
Allegations Against El-Rufai
The DSS, through a prosecution team led by M. E. Ernest, alleged that El-Rufai, alongside others said to be at large, unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
According to the charge, the alleged offence occurred on February 13, 2026, during El-Rufai’s appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme in Abuja. Prosecutors claim he “aligned with others and unlawfully intercepted” the NSA’s communications, contrary to Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
He is also accused of knowingly relating to an individual who had allegedly intercepted the NSA’s phone calls without reporting the matter to security authorities, an offence under Section 27(b) of the same Act.
In addition, the DSS alleged that he used technical equipment, in collaboration with others still at large, in a manner that compromised public safety and national security, contrary to Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
Defence Challenges Charges
El-Rufai has denied wrongdoing and filed a motion seeking to quash the charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, listing 17 grounds for its dismissal.
He argued that the DSS lacked the authority to treat comments made during a television interview as a confessional statement. According to him, for a statement to qualify as a confession in law, it must be made under caution, voluntarily, and in compliance with established judicial safeguards.
He maintained that his remarks on Arise TV were made during a public discussion without caution or warning and could not legally be elevated to a judicial confession.
The case will resume on April 23, when the court is expected to address the arraignment and pending applications.
Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihir-Raji’un.
The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of , Hon. Inuwa Bwala, on behalf of the management and staff, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and pioneer editor of the newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman.
Bwala also extended condolences to Suleiman’s family, associates and the Nigerian media industry, describing his passing as a monumental loss at a time his experience, courage and service to the nation were still greatly needed.
Suleiman reportedly died shortly before a scheduled surgery.
A pioneer editor of National Trail Newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman was regarded as a thoroughbred journalist with a remarkable talent for breaking exclusive stories and shaping public discourse through responsible journalism.
Throughout his distinguished career, he worked with notable media organisations, including National Trail Newspaper, Daily Trust, Summit and The Road. He earned widespread admiration for fearless reporting, ethical conduct and unwavering commitment to professionalism.
His writings and public interventions consistently reflected deep concern for justice, peace, accountability and national unity.
Beyond journalism, Suleiman was widely respected as a bridge-builder who strongly believed in dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse peoples. He remained steadfast in his conviction that truth and justice are essential pillars for national progress.
Though his voice has now gone silent, the values and ideals he stood for will continue to inspire generations. His legacy as a principled journalist, advocate and patriot will endure in the hearts of many whose lives he touched through his work and humanity.
The management and staff of National Trail Newspaper prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, friends, colleagues and members of the in this moment of grief.
Rest in peace, Abdulazeez Suleiman. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.
Uncategorized
JUST IN: After Primary Election Victory, Shehu Sani Visits Parents’ Graves to Offer Prayers and Express Gratitude to God
Following his victory in the party primary election, Senator Shehu Sani visited the graves of his parents to pray and give thanks to Almighty God.
The former senator described the visit as very important to him, noting that his parents played a significant role in his upbringing and in shaping his political life.
Shehu Sani prayed for Allah to forgive his parents and all deceased Muslims, while also reaffirming his commitment to continue serving the people with honesty and integrity after securing victory in the primaries.
The gesture has attracted attention from his supporters and social media users, many of whom praised his act of remembering his parents after a political success.
Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihir-Raji’un.
The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of , Hon. Inuwa Bwala, on behalf of the management and staff, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and pioneer editor of the newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman.
Bwala also extended condolences to Suleiman’s family, associates and the Nigerian media industry, describing his passing as a monumental loss at a time his experience, courage and service to the nation were still greatly needed.
Suleiman reportedly died shortly before a scheduled surgery.
A pioneer editor of National Trail Newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman was regarded as a thoroughbred journalist with a remarkable talent for breaking exclusive stories and shaping public discourse through responsible journalism.
Throughout his distinguished career, he worked with notable media organisations, including National Trail Newspaper, Daily Trust, Summit and The Road. He earned widespread admiration for fearless reporting, ethical conduct and unwavering commitment to professionalism.
His writings and public interventions consistently reflected deep concern for justice, peace, accountability and national unity.
Beyond journalism, Suleiman was widely respected as a bridge-builder who strongly believed in dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse peoples. He remained steadfast in his conviction that truth and justice are essential pillars for national progress.
Though his voice has now gone silent, the values and ideals he stood for will continue to inspire generations. His legacy as a principled journalist, advocate and patriot will endure in the hearts of many whose lives he touched through his work and humanity.
The management and staff of National Trail Newspaper prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, friends, colleagues and members of the in this moment of grief.
Rest in peace, Abdulazeez Suleiman. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.
National Trail Mourns Pioneer Editor, Abdulazeez Suleiman
Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu Declared Winner of Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in Taraba
JUST IN: After Primary Election Victory, Shehu Sani Visits Parents’ Graves to Offer Prayers and Express Gratitude to God
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