Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday where he was formally arraigned over allegations linked to the interception of the telephone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
El-Rufai, who stood before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, pleaded not guilty to a five-count amended charge marked FHC/ABJ/99/2026, which borders on alleged unlawful interference with national security communications.
The case, already attracting intense political and public interest, experienced an early delay during proceedings on his bail application after a procedural gap emerged in court. Defence counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Oluwole Iyamu, informed the court of a document referenced in argument but not contained in the official case file.
The development prompted a temporary suspension of proceedings. With no objection from the prosecution team led by Oluwole Aladeloye (SAN), the court granted a short adjournment to allow the defence regularise its filings and properly present the document.
El-Rufai’s legal team is expected to return with full submissions when the matter resumes, as the court continues consideration of bail and other preliminary issues.
The former governor’s arraignment adds a new layer to his post-office political and legal engagements, drawing widespread attention given his long-standing prominence in Nigeria’s political landscape.
El-Rufai Dragged to court in Abuja over alleged NSA phone interception case
