The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, before a Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations that he unlawfully accessed the telephone conversation of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
El-Rufai is facing a five-count amended charge bordering on alleged illegal interception and misuse of privileged communication. He was brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who is presiding over the case.
At the start of proceedings on Thursday, the prosecution informed the court that the initial three-count charge had been expanded to five counts. Following this, the judge struck out the earlier charge and allowed the amended version to proceed.
The former governor pleaded not guilty to all five counts.
The case stems from remarks El-Rufai made earlier in the year during a television interview, where he alleged that conversations involving the NSA were being monitored. He claimed that security communications had been intercepted and suggested that instructions relating to his possible arrest were discussed over the phone.
His comments sparked widespread reactions, with some calling for investigation, while others dismissed the claims as political rhetoric.
El-Rufai, once a prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and a close ally of President Bola Tinubu, has since become one of the administration’s outspoken critics.
While opposition voices have described the case as politically motivated, government officials insist the charges are based strictly on alleged breaches of national security laws.
The court adjourned the matter for further hearing as the trial continues.
