The trial of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was stalled on Wednesday after he failed to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja for arraignment over alleged unlawful interception of the phone communications of National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The Department of State Services (DSS), which filed a three-count charge against him, could not produce the defendant in court. When the case was called, the court was told that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) still had El-Rufai in its custody.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the case until April 23.
El-Rufai, who served as Kaduna State governor from 2015 to 2023 and earlier as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, was expected to take his plea on charges the DSS said relate to threats to national security.
According to the charge sheet signed by DSS prosecutors led by M. E. Ernest, the former governor allegedly admitted during a February 13 appearance on Arise TV that he worked with certain individuals to unlawfully intercept the NSA’s telephone communications. The alleged offence is said to violate Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
The DSS also accused him of failing to report the alleged offence, contrary to Section 27(b) of the same Act. In addition, he faces a charge under Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, for allegedly acting with others still at large to use technical equipment in a manner that endangered public safety and national security.
However, El-Rufai has filed a motion challenging the charges, arguing that statements made during a televised interview cannot be treated as a legal confession. He maintained that a valid confession must be made under caution and in line with established legal procedures.
The former governor had earlier alleged that an attempt by DSS operatives to detain him at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on February 12, 2026, was politically motivated. Authorities have yet to respond publicly to the claim.
