DSS Arraigns El-Rufai for Allegedly Intercepting Calls

On Thursday, the Department of State Services (DSS) arraigned former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja, facing five counts of allegedly intercepting phone conversations of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to the charges, which were further amended from an earlier three-count charge filed on April 13, 2023.

The presiding judge, Justice Joyc Abdulmalik, scheduled the next hearing for May 18, 2023. During the proceedings, El-Rufai's counsel, Oluwol Iyamu, objected to the prosecution's request for witness anonymity, arguing it infringed on the defendant's rights.

The prosecution, represented by Oluwol Aladedoy, sought to conceal the identities of two witnesses, citing safety concerns. Additionally, a bail application filed on February 17 was discussed, but further affidavits were not submitted.

The judge emphasized the need for the DSS to facilitate the defense's preparation and adjourned the matter while addressing procedural compliance.