The Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday arraigned the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Appearing before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to a five-count amended charge involving the alleged unlawful interception of communications and breaches of national security. The prosecution, led by Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), successfully moved to substitute an earlier three-count charge with the expanded five-count indictment, which was officially filed on April 13.+2
The charges center on a February 13, 2026, interview on Arise TV, where El-Rufai allegedly admitted to intercepting the communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu. Specifically, count four alleges that he performed this interception without authorisation, a violation of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024. Count five further claims that El-Rufai and others still at large used technical equipment that compromised public safety and national security, instilling a “reasonable apprehension of insecurity” among the Nigerian public.
During the proceedings, defense counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed receipt of the amended charges and raised no objection to the substitution but strongly opposed the prosecution’s request for three consecutive trial dates. Iyamu argued that such a schedule would hinder the defense’s access to their client, who is currently in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Additionally, a dispute arose over a request by the DSS to conceal the identities of two witnesses for their safety—a move the defense labeled an infringement on the constitutional right to face one’s accusers.
Tensions flared briefly when a missing affidavit in support of El-Rufai’s bail application caused a delay, leading Justice Abdulmalik to caution against “procedural lapses” before the document was eventually located. While the DSS indicated it would not oppose the bail application, the defense filed a separate motion to quash the charges entirely, arguing they lack legal merit. After hearing the initial arguments from both sides, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to May 18, 19, and 20 for a full hearing.
