Wiretaps: El-Rufai pleads not guilty while FG files new charges

The Federal Government has expanded the criminal case against former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, bringing new charges relating to interference with critical national infrastructure and unauthorized access to classified information.

The updated charges are contained in a further amended five-count indictment filed on April 13, 2026 in the Federal High Court, Abuja, replacing the previous three-count indictment instituted on February 16.

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During his arraignment before Judge Joyce Abdulmalik on Thursday, El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to all charges after the court granted the prosecution’s request to replace the original charge.

The Department of State Services (DSS) lawyer, Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), told the court that the amended indictment significantly revised the previous charges and urged the court to adopt the new trials.

Unlike the initial indictment, which focused primarily on the alleged illegal interception of communications, the new counts introduce broader national security concerns.

In one of the new charges, the prosecution accused El-Rufai of unlawfully interfering with communications belonging to the national security adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, describing the channel as part of Nigeria’s critical national information infrastructure.

The prosecution states that the alleged act violates the provisions of the National Critical Information Infrastructure Designation and Protection Order, 2024, and is punishable under the Cyber ​​Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

Another recently introduced count alleges that El-Rufai, without authorization, accessed classified information relating to Ribadu, including details of his arrest and detention order issued on February 12, 2026.

The amended indictment also maintains the previous charges in revised form. One indictment accuses the former governor of illegally intercepting NSA communications, while another alleges that he and others still at large used technical systems that compromised public and national security, thus causing widespread fear.

Following confirmation by the defense lawyer, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), that the amended charge had been received, the court struck out the previous charge and proceeded with a fresh arraignment.

After the appeal, the prosecution requested an expedited hearing with three consecutive trial dates, but the defense objected, citing concerns about limited access to counsel due to El-Rufai’s custody under the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Crimes Commission (ICPC).

The DSS also requested permission to protect the identities of two witnesses by using pseudonyms, citing security concerns. The defense opposed the request, arguing that it violated the defendant’s constitutional right to know his accusers.

Disagreements also arose over access to evidence, with the defense calling for full transparency to prepare for the trial, while the prosecution described the request as procedurally flawed.

The defense also filed a motion to quash the amended indictment, which the prosecution urged the court to dismiss.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to May 18, 19 and 20, 2026 for hearing.

In a related context, the Kaduna State High Court denied El-Rufai’s bail application, citing the seriousness of the charges and the risk of interference with ongoing investigations.

Passing sentence on April 21, 2026, Judge DH Khobo found that the seriousness of the charges and concerns raised by the prosecution outweighed the arguments for bail.

El-Rufai had approached the court seeking release on self-recognizance or liberal conditions, arguing that the crimes were not capital in nature and that he presented no flight risk due to his strong community ties and fixed addresses.

He further said he voluntarily returned from Egypt on February 16 to honor an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and expressed concern over his health.

However, the ICPC opposed the request, describing the offenses as serious and arguing that the former governor could have interfered with witnesses and investigations.

The agency also rejected its health claims due to a lack of supporting medical evidence.

In his ruling, Justice Khobo said the interest of justice requires that the accused remain in custody to ensure a speedy trial.

The court subsequently ordered that El-Rufai remain in ICPC custody pending trial and set June 1, 2, 3 and 4, 2026 for the daily hearing.

For now, the former governor remains in detention while the proceedings continue.

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