The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in a case involving the alleged unlawful interception of telephone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik scheduled the matter for May 18, 19, and 20 to allow for an accelerated hearing on pending applications, including the determination of the defendant’s bail request.

Amended Charges and Plea

During Thursday’s proceedings, the prosecution lead, Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), representing the Department of State Services (DSS), informed the court that a further amended five-count charge had been filed on April 13. The court subsequently struck out the original three-count charge, substituting it with the expanded indictment.

El-Rufai maintained his "not guilty" plea to all counts, which border on unauthorized access to sensitive security communications and violations of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

Remand Controversy

A jurisdictional debate emerged regarding the defendant's custody. While the court initially ordered that the former governor be remanded in DSS custody, El-Rufai’s legal team raised an objection.

Defense counsel argued that their client is currently being held by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in connection with separate legal proceedings. Justice Abdulmalik has directed both parties to clarify the defendant's current custodial status before the next hearing to determine if a transfer to the DSS is required.

Background of the Allegations

The prosecution’s case stems from comments El-Rufai allegedly made during a February 2026 televised interview on Arise News. During the broadcast, the former governor reportedly claimed that his associates had intercepted private conversations involving the NSA.

According to court documents, El-Rufai allegedly stated:

"Someone tapped his phone... Government thinks they are the only ones that listen to calls, but we also have our ways."

These remarks prompted a swift reaction from the Presidency. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga previously called for a thorough investigation into whether the former governor possessed illegal surveillance capabilities, asserting that "no one is above the law."

The trial is set to continue in May as the court weighs the sensitive nature of the security breaches against the defendant's applications for release.