El-Rufai's Cybercrime Trial Adjourned to April 2026

The arraignment of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai over cybercrime charges encountered a setback on Tuesday when the trial was adjourned until April 23, 2026. The court was informed that El-Rufai remains in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

He is facing three counts of charges related to threats to national security, as alleged by the Department of State Services (DSS). The charges stem from accusations that El-Rufai unlawfully intercepted phone communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA) during a television interview on February 13, 2026.

The DSS claims he used technical equipment to compromise public safety and national security, violating the Cybercrime Prohibition and Prevention Act 2015. El-Rufai has challenged the trial, arguing that his statements made during the interview do not constitute a confession.

The case is being presided over by Justice Joyc Abdulmalik, with a prosecution team led by M.E. Ernest.