Nigeria’s federal authorities have expanded the criminal case against former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, introducing new allegations that elevate the proceedings from a communications offence to a broader national security case.
The amended five-count charge, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, accuses El-Rufai of interfering with critical national information infrastructure and unlawfully accessing classified state material. He pleaded not guilty to all counts when arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Thursday.
Prosecutors from the Department of State Services said the revised charge marked a significant shift from earlier claims centred on alleged unlawful interception of communications, urging the court to adopt the new filing in place of the previous three-count charge.
At the centre of the new allegations is an accusation that El-Rufai interfered with the communications of the national security adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, in breach of Nigeria’s critical information infrastructure protections. A separate count claims he gained unauthorised access to classified information, including details linked to Ribadu’s arrest and detention order in February.
The amended filing retains earlier accusations that the former governor intercepted communications without authorisation and used technical systems in a manner that compromised public safety and national security, allegedly causing widespread apprehension.
The court struck out the earlier charge following its substitution and proceeded with a fresh arraignment. Defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu, did not oppose the amendment but challenged aspects of the prosecution’s case, including efforts to shield the identities of key witnesses and delays in providing full access to evidence.
The prosecution also sought an accelerated trial, requesting consecutive hearing dates, though the defence warned that El-Rufai’s continued detention could limit his access to legal counsel. The court adjourned proceedings to mid-May for hearing.
Separately, a Kaduna high court has refused the former governor bail, citing the gravity of the allegations and concerns that he could interfere with ongoing investigations. The ruling followed opposition from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, which argued that the charges were serious and carried risks of witness interference.
El-Rufai had asked to be released on self-recognisance, citing his ties to the community, willingness to face trial and health concerns. The court, however, said he failed to provide sufficient medical evidence and held that the interests of justice required his continued detention pending trial.
The case, which has drawn national attention, now moves towards accelerated hearings, with the former governor remaining in custody as prosecutors pursue what has become one of the most politically sensitive trials in recent months.
