The Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on an amended five-count charge bordering on alleged breach of national security.
El-Rufai, who appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, pleaded not guilty to all the counts.
When the case was called, DSS counsel Oluwole Aladedoye informed the court that the matter was scheduled for the defendant to take his plea.
He also told the court that a further amended five-count charge had been filed on April 13, seeking to replace the earlier three-count charge.
He prayed the court to strike out the earlier charge and adopt the amended one.
Responding, El-Rufai’s counsel, Oluwole Iyamu, confirmed he had been served with the amended charge and did not oppose its substitution.
The court subsequently struck out the earlier three-count charge.
After the amended charges were read, El-Rufai pleaded not guilty. The prosecution then requested three consecutive dates for the commencement of trial.
However, the defence counsel objected, arguing that scheduling three consecutive trial days could be difficult given that the defendant was currently in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Iyamu also drew the court’s attention to a bail application filed on February 17, noting that a further affidavit in support was missing from the court file.
Following the development, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to allow the defence complete the necessary filing procedures.
(NAN)
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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