The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on an amended five-count charge bordering on alleged breach of national security.
El-Rufai was brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, where he pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
At the hearing, DSS counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), informed the court that the matter was scheduled for the defendant to take his plea but disclosed that a further amended five-count charge had been filed on April 13. He subsequently applied for the new charge to replace the earlier three-count charge.
Counsel to the defendant, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed receipt of the amended charge and raised no objection. The court thereafter struck out the initial three-count charge.
Following El-Rufai’s not guilty plea, the prosecution requested three consecutive trial dates for expedited proceedings. However, the defence opposed the application, citing logistical challenges in accessing the defendant, who is reportedly in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Iyamu argued that the proposed trial schedule might not be in the best interest of the defence, given the circumstances.
The defence also drew the court’s attention to a bail application earlier filed on February 17. However, the court noted that a supporting affidavit was missing from the case file, prompting Justice Abdulmalik to stand down the matter to allow the defence to regularise the documents.
The case is expected to continue after the bail application is properly filed and hearing dates are agreed upon.
