By Editor
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, before a Federal High Court in Abuja, on five charges related to phone tapping and breach of national security.
El-Rufai was charged with allegedly intercepting the phone conversation of National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, violating Paragraph 7 (b) & (c) of the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure Order, 2024.
El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to the charges, and his counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), requested bail, citing his client’s previous cooperation with the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
The prosecution, led by Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), requested three days for trial and sought to conceal witness identities, citing security concerns.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the case to May 18, 19, and 20, for further hearing. El-Rufai’s media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, stated that the former governor is challenging the charges, describing them as an abuse of court process and seeking N2 billion in damages against the DSS.
The charges stem from El-Rufai’s comments on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme, where he claimed to have accessed an intercepted phone conversation between Ribadu and security operatives. The prosecution alleges El-Rufai’s actions compromised national security and public safety.
El-Rufai’s supporters see the charges as a witch-hunt, while others call for accountability and respect for national security laws. The case highlights concerns about phone tapping and surveillance in Nigeria.
The DSS has not provided evidence to support the charges, and El-Rufai’s team questions the prosecution’s competence. The court will determine the validity of the charges and the fate of the former governor.
This case raises questions about national security, surveillance, and the rule of law in Nigeria. As the trial unfolds, Nigerians will be watching closely.
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