El-Rufai Arraigned by DSS on Wiretapping Charges, Pleads Not Guilty

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday on five amended charges of wiretapping and illegal access to a phone conversation involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

Appearing before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to all five counts, setting the stage for a trial with significant political and legal stakes.

Three counts became five

DSS counsel Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN) told the court that an amended five-count charge had been filed on April 13, asking the court to substitute the earlier three-count charge. Defence counsel Oluwole Iyamu (SAN) confirmed receipt and did not oppose the substitution.

One count alleges El-Rufai “intentionally and without authorisation, intercepted the communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.” Another accuses him of using technical systems that “compromised public safety, national security and instilling reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians.”

Witness concealment dispute

The prosecution applied for the identities of two witnesses to be concealed, requesting pseudonyms in court records over safety concerns. The defence objected, arguing it infringed on the defendant’s constitutional right to face his accusers.

The defence also pushed back on consecutive trial dates, citing concerns that El-Rufai’s access to counsel could be restricted because he remains in ICPC custody on a parallel nine-count charge of abuse of office and money laundering during his tenure as Kaduna governor.

El-Rufai now faces two separate prosecutions — the DSS wiretapping case and the ICPC corruption case — an unprecedented legal situation for a former governor and erstwhile presidential ally turned critic.

Sources: Politics Nigeria, NaijaNews, National Update