A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday heard testimony alleging that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai admitted during a television interview that phone conversations involving the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, were intercepted.
The testimony was given on Monday, June 22, 2026, at the Federal High Court in Abuja during the ongoing trial of Nasir El-Rufai, where the prosecution witness, Deji Adeyanju, told the court that he was present at the television station on February 16 when the former governor allegedly made the statement during an interview.
Adeyanju, who appeared as the second prosecution witness in the case, told the court that he was at the studio waiting for his own interview session when El-Rufai appeared on the programme.
While giving evidence before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, Adeyanju said El-Rufai allegedly stated during the interview that “we listened to the conversations of the NSA.”
The witness was led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye, SAN, who presented the circumstances surrounding the alleged statement and the interview session.
The court also heard that Adeyanju was later invited by the Department of State Services (DSS) to explain what happened at the television station and what he knew about the comments made during the programme.
According to the witness, he informed investigators that he was present when El-Rufai made the statement and that during further discussion, the former governor allegedly said another person carried out the phone interception and provided the information to him.
During proceedings, the prosecution played the recorded television interview in open court, and Adeyanju confirmed that it was the same programme he witnessed.
The video recording was subsequently tendered by the prosecution and admitted into evidence by the court as part of the materials being considered in the case.
However, during cross-examination by El-Rufai’s lawyer, Paul Erokoro, SAN, Adeyanju clarified that he did not personally hear the former governor say that he hacked the NSA’s phone lines.
The witness maintained that what he heard was the statement that “we listened to the conversations of the NSA,” adding that he could not provide details about the technical process allegedly involved.
The Department of State Services is prosecuting El-Rufai over allegations linked to the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024 and the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
The charges relate to allegations that the former governor unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser and made statements that allegedly affected public safety and national security.
The prosecution alleged that El-Rufai made the comments during a television appearance in Abuja on February 13, 2026, where he allegedly admitted knowledge of the interception of Ribadu’s communications.
One of the counts before the court alleges that El-Rufai admitted that he and others unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s phone communications, an allegation he is expected to contest through his legal team.
Another count alleges that he knew individuals involved in the alleged interception but failed to report them to relevant security authorities.
The third count accuses him and others still at large of using technical equipment or systems in a manner that allegedly compromised public safety and national security.
The prosecution also tendered an official gazette during the hearing, which was admitted by the court without objection from the defence team.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter until June 23, 2026, for continuation of hearing as the court continues to examine evidence presented by both sides.
The case has attracted attention because of the involvement of a former state governor and allegations involving a senior national security official.
The ongoing proceedings are expected to determine the facts surrounding the claims, as the court continues to hear evidence from witnesses and review documents presented by the prosecution and defence.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments