The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, before a Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations bordering on unlawful interception of a telephone conversation involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
El-Rufai, who previously also served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, is facing prosecution on an amended five-count charge filed before the court. The case is being heard at the Federal High Court Abuja.
At the commencement of proceedings on Thursday, counsel to the prosecution informed the court that the charges had been expanded from three counts to five. The prosecution did not immediately provide further details in open court on the specific additional allegations but maintained that the amended charges reflect further findings from ongoing investigations.
The case centres on allegations that El-Rufai unlawfully accessed or interfered with a telephone conversation allegedly involving Ribadu, raising concerns around alleged breaches of communication privacy and national security protocols. The DSS is prosecuting the matter under relevant provisions relating to cybercrime, unlawful interception of communications, and abuse of office-related offences.
El-Rufai was present in court for the hearing as proceedings began, with his legal team indicating readiness to respond to the amended charges. The court is expected to take further procedural steps, including the formal reading of the updated charges and possible arguments on bail or continuation of earlier conditions.
The matter has attracted significant public attention given the high-profile nature of both the defendant and the complainant, both of whom have held senior roles in Nigeria’s security and governance architecture.
The DSS, in taking over the prosecution, is expected to present documentary and electronic evidence it says supports the allegations, while the defence is anticipated to challenge the admissibility and interpretation of such materials.
The court adjourned the matter for continuation of hearing, as legal arguments are expected to intensify in the coming sittings. The case remains ongoing, and no final determination has been made by the court.
