DSS Arraigns El-Rufai Over Phone Interception Allegations

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai in Abuja's Federal High Court over allegations of unlawfully accessing telephone conversations related to national security adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The prosecution, led by Oluwol Aladedoy, initially filed three charges, which were later amended to five counts.

The presiding judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, commenced proceedings on Thursday, during which El-Rufai's counsel, Oluwol Iyamu, did not oppose the amendment of charges. El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to the five counts.

The prosecution sought three consecutive trial dates, but Iyamu objected, arguing that the three-day timeline would not be in the best interest of the defense. A bail application filed on February 17 was also discussed, but further supporting affidavits were not submitted to the court.

The judge subsequently stood down the matter for further consideration.