TDThe Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
El-Rufai was arraigned on a five-count amended charge alleging breaches of national security.
Court Proceedings
- Arraignment: El-Rufai entered a plea of not guilty to all five counts.
- Amendment of Charges: DSS counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye, informed the court that a fresh five-count charge had been filed on April 13, replacing the earlier three-count charge.
Defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu, confirmed receipt and raised no objection. The judge subsequently struck out the initial charge.
Trial Scheduling
The prosecution requested three consecutive trial dates to expedite proceedings.
Defence counsel objected, arguing that El-Rufai is detained under the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
He insisted that it would make access difficult, thereby hindering adequate preparation.
Iyamu stressed that consecutive hearings would not serve the interest of justice.
Bail Application
Defence reminded the court of a bail application filed on February 17.
A supporting affidavit initially missing from the court file was later located after the judge stood the matter down.
DSS did not oppose bail, clearing the way for judicial consideration.
Witness Protection Request
The prosecution sought an order to conceal the identities of two witnesses, proposing pseudonyms in court records.
DSS argued that the witnesses’ families could be vulnerable to attacks from El-Rufai’s sympathisers.
Defence opposed the request, insisting that the accused has a constitutional right to know his accusers.
Counsel warned that blanket anonymity could prejudice the defence.
He stressed El-Rufai’s long record of public service and denying any evidence of cult-like followership or threats.
Defence Applications
- Defence applied for an order compelling the prosecution to furnish proof of evidence to enable trial preparation.
DSS opposed, arguing the materials sought were unrelated to the prosecution’s processes.
- Defence also filed an application to quash the charges.
Prosecution countered that such an application cannot be entertained after a plea has been taken, urging the court to dismiss it as lacking merit.
The case has been adjourned to May 18 for continuation of hearing.
The court is expected to rule on bail, witness anonymity, and preliminary applications before substantive trial begins on the given date.
This Dawn, hereby, provides a comprehensive legal narrative.
The report highlights the procedural twists, the clash over witness anonymity, and the defence’s strategy to challenge the charges.
It situates the case within the broader context of national security prosecutions, underscoring the tension between state interests and constitutional rights.
