El-Rufai Pleads Not Guilty to National Security Charges

Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, was arraigned on five amended charges concerning an alleged national security breach at the Federal High Court in Abuja before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. During the proceedings, El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecution, represented by Oluwol Aladedoy, informed the court that the matter was set for a plea after the charges were amended on April 13, 2026. The defense counsel, Oluwol Iyamu, did not oppose the amendment but raised concerns regarding the prosecution's request for three consecutive trial dates, arguing that it would not be in the best interest of the defendant.

A bail application filed on February 17, 2026, was also discussed, with the judge standing down the matter for further affidavit submissions. The prosecution sought an order to conceal the identities of two witnesses, which the defense opposed, arguing it infringed on the constitutional rights of the accused.