Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has been arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) on an amended five-count charge over the alleged unlawful interception of phone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
He pleaded not guilty to all counts.
At the hearing today before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, DSS counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye, SAN, informed the court of the amended charge filed on April 13, replacing an earlier three-count charge. Defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, confirmed receipt and raised no objection, prompting the court to strike out the initial charge.
TheFact Daily reports that the case originates from allegations that El-Rufai unlawfully intercepted Ribadu’s communications, a claim that gained traction after a February 13, 2026 interview on Arise News, in which he reportedly admitted to tapping the NSA’s lines, alleging it exposed a planned DSS arrest.
The charges cite provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, etc.) Amendment Act 2024 and the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, with penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment.
Proceedings were briefly delayed over a missing further affidavit supporting the defendant’s bail application, which was later found. The DSS did not oppose bail. However, the defence resisted the prosecution’s request for an accelerated three-day trial, arguing that El-Rufai’s custody under the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) could hinder adequate access to prepare.
The prosecution also sought to shield the identities of two witnesses, requesting the use of pseudonyms and exclusion of their names from public records over security concerns. The defence opposed the move, insisting it would violate the accused’s constitutional right to know his accusers and arguing there was no evidence of any threat posed by El-Rufai.
Further disagreements arose over the defence’s request for access to certain documents to prepare for trial, which the prosecution described as unrelated to its case. El-Rufai’s legal team also filed an application to quash the charges, while the prosecution urged the court to dismiss it as lacking merit.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to May 18, 19, and 20 for rulings on pending applications and the commencement of trial.
