The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of illegally wiretapping the telephone line of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
El-Rufai was brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a five-count amended charge bordering on unlawful interference with critical national communication infrastructure.
According to the DSS, the former governor allegedly tampered with the communication line of Ribadu, which it described as part of Nigeria’s Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), contrary to the provisions of the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure Order, 2024.
The prosecution told the court that El-Rufai had allegedly admitted to the act during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on February 13 in Abuja.
The charge stated that he “intentionally and unlawfully interfered with the communication of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu,” an action said to violate Paragraph 7 (b) and (c) of the CNII Order, 2024, and punishable under Section 5(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
When the charges were read, El-Rufai pleaded not guilty.
Following his plea, counsel to the DSS, Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), asked the court for three days to open and conclude trial.
Earlier, Aladedoye had informed the court of the amended five-count charge under which the former governor was being prosecuted.
Responding, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), urged the court to consider his client’s bail application dated February 17, noting that the former governor had already been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
The prosecution also sought an order allowing witnesses to testify with their identities shielded, including covering their faces and using pseudonyms, citing fears of possible attacks from El-Rufai’s supporters.
However, the defence strongly opposed the request, arguing that granting such an application would violate the defendant’s constitutional right to know and confront his accusers.
Iyamu further told the court that there was no evidence showing that El-Rufai had any form of cult-like following or posed any threat capable of justifying witness anonymity.
After listening to both sides, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to May 18, 19, and 20 for further proceedings.
