Judge Takes Fresh Step In DSS Case Involving El-Rufai

According to Ireporter Online, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered proceedings in the case involving former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to be temporarily stood down until 1:00 p.m. The court said the brief adjournment was necessary to allow defence counsel and court officials to properly regularise and locate missing case files before continuation of hearing.

El-Rufai, who was re-arraigned earlier on Monday by the Department of State Services (DSS), is facing allegations linked to the alleged interception of telephone conversations involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. He was reportedly brought into the court premises at about 8:55 a.m. under heavy security escort by operatives of the secret police.

In a related development, the court granted bail to the former governor in the sum of ₦100 million, with one surety in like sum. Justice Abdulmalik stipulated that the surety must reside within Maitama or Asokoro districts of Abuja and is required to deposit the original Certificate of Occupancy of a landed property with the court registry.

The court further ruled that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 17 and must provide evidence of salary payments for at least three months, supported by verification from a bank manager within the court’s jurisdiction. Additional conditions include the submission of an affidavit of means, execution of a bail bond, and provision of a recent passport photograph.

As part of the bail conditions, El-Rufai was directed to submit all valid international passports to the court. The judge also ordered the presentation of a tax clearance certificate covering the last six months and a verification letter from the surety’s department.

Justice Abdulmalik further directed the former governor to report to the DSS headquarters on the last Friday of every month at 10 a.m. to sign the attendance register until the conclusion of the case, warning that any breach of the bail conditions would result in its immediate revocation. The court also instructed that a letter of attestation from the Chairman of the Kaduna Traditional Council be submitted.