El-Rufai: Court drama begins in Alleged Ribadu wiretap case

The Department of State Services on Thursday brought formal charges against former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The case is being heard before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

El-Rufai is accused of unlawfully intercepting the communications of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. According to the DSS, the alleged actions involved interference with protected systems classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure under the 2024 designation order.

Prosecutors stated that El-Rufai admitted to aspects of the matter during a televised appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on 13 February.
They argue that his conduct breaches provisions within the relevant infrastructure protection order and is punishable under the amended Cybercrimes Act of 2024.

When the charges were read, El-Rufai entered a plea of not guilty. The prosecuting counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), requested a short adjournment to prepare for trial, proposing a three-day hearing window.

Earlier in proceedings, the court was informed that the charges had been revised into a five-count indictment. Defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), responded by highlighting that his client had already been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission.

He urged the court to consider a pending bail application filed on 17 February.

The prosecution also sought permission to protect the identities of its witnesses. This included measures such as concealing faces and allowing pseudonyms, citing concerns over potential reprisals. However, the defence opposed this request, arguing that it would undermine the defendant’s constitutional right to know and confront his accusers. Counsel further maintained that there was no evidence suggesting El-Rufai posed any threat or commanded a following capable of intimidation.

After hearing both sides, Justice Abdulmalik fixed 18, 19 and 20 May for further proceedings.