Nasir El-Rufai faces wiretapping trial and N1bn rights suit

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is facing two distinct legal proceedings in the Federal High Court in Abuja.

In his criminal trial, the Department of State Services (DSS) has charged El-Rufai with an amended five-count charge involving the alleged unlawful interception of telephone communications belonging to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and breaches of national security. The case stems from comments El-Rufai made during a television interview regarding access to the NSA’s conversations. Following the conclusion of the prosecution's evidence, El-Rufai's defense filed a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik has reserved her ruling on this submission for October 26, 2026.

Separately, El-Rufai has filed a one billion Naira fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Inspector-General of Police. The suit challenges the legality of a search warrant used during an alleged unlawful raid on his Abuja residence in February. The Attorney-General has requested the court to dismiss the suit, claiming it lacks merit. The court has adjourned this matter until October 27, 2026, to allow the former governor's counsel to respond to the Attorney-General's counter-affidavit.