The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on a five-count amended charge bordering on alleged breaches of national security.

El-Rufai was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Counsel to the DSS, Mr. Oluwole Aladedoye, SAN, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for the defendant’s plea but noted that a further amended five-count charge had been filed on April 13, replacing an earlier three-count charge.

Defence counsel, Mr. Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, confirmed receipt of the amended charge and raised no objection. The court subsequently struck out the earlier charge.

Following the plea, the prosecution sought three consecutive trial dates, a request opposed by the defence, which cited logistical challenges in accessing the defendant, who had been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The defence also referenced a pending bail application filed on Feb. 17. Although a supporting affidavit was initially missing from the court file, proceedings were briefly stood down to allow its submission.

The DSS indicated it did not oppose the bail application.

The prosecution further applied for an order to conceal the identities of two witnesses, proposing the use of pseudonyms and exclusion of their identities from public records, citing potential security risks to their families.

The defence opposed the application, arguing that it would infringe on the constitutional right of the accused to know his accusers and could prejudice the case.

Additionally, the defence requested access to proof of evidence to prepare for trial, a move opposed by the prosecution, which argued that the requested materials were not part of its filed processes.

The defence also filed an application to quash the charge, prompting legal arguments over its admissibility after a plea has been entered. The prosecution urged the court to dismiss the application as lacking merit, while the defence responded on points of law.

Proceedings are ongoing.