El-Rufai Pleads Not Guilty to Wiretapping Charges

Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, appeared before Justice Joyc Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he pleaded not guilty to five amended charges related to wiretapping. The charges allege that El-Rufai unlawfully intercepted communications, thereby breaching national security.

The prosecution, represented by Oluwol Aladedoy, informed the court that the matter was fixed for the defendant's plea and further amendments to the charges filed on April 13. The amended charges include allegations that El-Rufai intended to intercept communications without authorization and compromised public safety using technical equipment.

The defense counsel, Oluwol Iyamu, confirmed that they did not oppose the substitution of the earlier three counts. The court has set trial dates for May 18, 19, and 20, while a bail application filed on February 17 is pending.

The prosecution also sought to conceal the identities of two witnesses for safety concerns, which the defense opposed, arguing it infringed on constitutional rights.