Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Thursday pleaded not guilty to a five-count amended charge bordering on alleged unlawful interception of communications and threats to national security.
El-Rufai was arraigned before the Federal High Court, Abuja, by the Department of State Services (DSS), and took his plea before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
At the resumed proceedings, prosecution counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), told the court that the case was scheduled for arraignment and informed that the DSS had filed a further amended five-count charge on April 13. He urged the court to substitute the earlier three-count charge with the new one.
The request was not opposed by defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), who confirmed receipt of the amended charge.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently struck out the initial charge and directed that the amended counts be read to the defendant. El-Rufai again pleaded not guilty to all five counts.
In the amended charge, the DSS alleged, “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 13th 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.
Also, “ 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.”
Following the plea, the prosecution applied for three consecutive hearing dates to enable speedy trial. However, the defence objected, arguing that the defendant’s ability to consult with his lawyers could be hindered due to his custody under the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The defence also reminded the court of a pending bail application filed on February 17, noting that a supporting affidavit initially missing from the case file was later found during proceedings. The DSS, however, told the court it was not opposing the bail request.
In a separate application, the prosecution sought an order to protect the identities of two witnesses by using pseudonyms in court records, citing safety concerns. But the defence opposed the move, insisting it would violate the defendant’s constitutional right to know his accusers, adding that no credible threat had been established.
The defence further urged the court to compel the DSS to provide proof of evidence to facilitate proper preparation for trial, an application the prosecution opposed, describing it as extraneous.
Additionally, the defence filed a motion seeking to quash the amended charge, while the prosecution urged the court to dismiss it on the grounds that it lacked merit, particularly as the defendant had already taken his plea.
After listening to arguments from both sides, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to May 18, 19, and 20 for hearing.
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