Kaduna Governor Faces Trial: El-Rufai Arraigned on Five-Count Indictment, Seeks Release on Bond

Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, was arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, facing allegations of unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

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El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023 and previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, was charged with a five-count offense marked FHC/ABJ/99/2026.

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The DSS, led by a team of five prosecutors including M. E. Ernest, alleged that El-Rufai committed the crime with accomplices who are currently at large.

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According to the charge, El-Rufai admitted to unlawfully intercepting the NSA's phone communications during an appearance on Arise TV Station's Prime Time Programme on February 13, thereby committing an offense punishable under section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

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The security agency further alleged that El-Rufai failed to report an individual who had unlawfully intercepted the NSA's telephone communications, committing an offense contrary to Section 27 (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024.

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Additionally, the DSS alleged that El-Rufai used technical equipment to compromise public safety and national security, instilling fear among Nigerians, and committed an offense contrary to and punishable under Section 131 (2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

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El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to the charges read to him before trial Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

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His legal team, led by Mr. Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, has applied for his release on bail pending the determination of the case.