El-Rufai pleads not guilty to amended wiretapping charges

The Federal High Court in Abuja became the stage for a significant legal proceeding as former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, entered a plea of not guilty to a newly amended five-count charge. The Department of State Services (DSS) has accused El-Rufai of serious offenses, including unlawful interception of communications and actions detrimental to national security. These charges, particularly count four and five, specifically reference an alleged admission by the former governor on Arise TV concerning the interception of communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

During the court session, the DSS, represented by Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), presented the amended charges, which were filed on April 13, and sought to substitute the earlier three-count charge. El-Rufai, appearing before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all counts. The defense, led by Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed receipt of the amended charge and did not oppose its substitution, focusing instead on the proceedings that followed.

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That you, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, adult, male, intentionally and without authorization, intercepted the communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, as admitted by you on 13” February, 2026, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV Station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024.

The prosecution's request for three consecutive trial dates was met with objection from the defense. El-Rufai's legal team raised concerns about the potential impact of his ongoing detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on his access to legal counsel. Furthermore, the defense highlighted a pending bail application, indicating a complex legal battle ahead. This case underscores the intense scrutiny and legal challenges faced by prominent political figures in Nigeria, reflecting broader concerns about national security, media freedom, and the rule of law within the country.

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That you, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, adult, male and other still at large, sometime in 2026, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable, did use technical equipment or systems which compromised public safety, national security and instilling reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians by unlawfully intercepting the communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to which you admitted during an interview on 13” February, 2026, on Arise TV Station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 131(2) of Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.