El-Rufai Pleads Not Guilty to Wiretapping Charges

Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, where he pleaded not guilty to five amended charges related to the alleged wiretapping of Nuhu Ribadu's phone. The Department of State Services (DSS) had previously filed three counts against him, which were replaced with the amended charges on April 13.

During the proceedings, the defense counsel, Oluwol Iyamu, confirmed receipt of the amended charges and did not oppose their substitution. The prosecution, represented by Oluwol Aladedoy, informed the court about the need to conceal the identities of two witnesses for safety concerns.

The defense objected to this request, arguing it infringed on El-Rufai's constitutional rights. Additionally, the defense filed an application to quash the amended charges, which the prosecution opposed, describing the defense's arguments as lacking merit.

The case was adjourned to May 18-20 for further hearing.