The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations of unlawfully intercepting the telephone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The case was adjourned to May 18, 19, and 20 for accelerated hearing of pending applications, including the determination of El-Rufai’s bail request.
At Thursday’s proceedings, counsel to the Department of State Services, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Oluwole Aladedoye, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for the defendant to take his plea. He also disclosed that a further amended five-count charge had been filed on April 13 and requested that the court substitute the earlier three-count charge with the new one.
El-Rufai had previously pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Following submissions from both parties, the court ordered that the former governor be remanded in DSS custody. However, his legal team objected, stating that he is currently being held by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over a separate matter.
In light of the conflicting claims, the court directed both parties to clarify El-Rufai’s current custodial status—whether he remains with the ICPC or should be transferred to DSS custody.
The case, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, involves a five-count amended charge bordering on alleged interception and unauthorised access to sensitive security communications. The prosecution claims the offences stem from statements made by El-Rufai during a February 2026 appearance on Arise Television, where he reportedly suggested that associates had intercepted conversations involving the National Security Adviser.
During the hearing, the prosecution noted that the initial three-count charge had been expanded to five counts, leading to the striking out of the earlier charge sheet. Despite this, El-Rufai maintained his not guilty plea.
In the referenced interview, El-Rufai was quoted as saying: “He (Ribadu) made the call because we listened to their call… Someone tapped his phone.” He further alleged that government agencies routinely monitor communications without court orders and claimed that his associates also had similar capabilities.
The remarks triggered public outrage and calls for investigation. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga questioned whether the former governor and his associates possessed illegal surveillance tools, insisting that the matter be thoroughly investigated.
According to court documents, one of the charges alleges that El-Rufai admitted to unlawfully intercepting the NSA’s communications, an offence said to contravene the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
The matter has been adjourned for continuation of hearing.