El-Rufai Arraignment on Phone Tapping Charges Postponed After Failure to Appear in Court
The scheduled arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai on charges of unlawfully intercepting National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu's phone communications has been adjourned to April 23 following his absence from court proceedings.
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The arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai on charges of unlawfully intercepting telephone communications belonging to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu failed to proceed on Wednesday after the defendant did not appear before the court, according to multiple Nigerian media reports.
The case, brought by Nigeria's State Security Service (SSS), stems from El-Rufai's public claim that he had intercepted phone conversations involving the NSA. The charges represent a significant escalation in tensions between the former governor and federal security apparatus, raising questions about the boundaries of political discourse and national security protocols in Africa's most populous nation.
Court Proceedings Stalled
According to The Nation Newspaper, the Department of State Services' failure to produce El-Rufai in court led to the postponement of the arraignment. The court has now adjourned proceedings until April 23, 2026, when the former governor is expected to face the charges formally.
Vanguard News reported that the scheduled arraignment "suffered a setback" due to El-Rufai's non-appearance, though the specific reasons for his absence were not immediately disclosed in court documents. The postponement marks the latest development in a case that has attracted significant attention within Nigeria's political circles, particularly given El-Rufai's prominence as a former two-term governor and close ally of President Bola Tinubu's administration.
Premium Times noted that "SSS filed the charges against Mr El-Rufai following his claim of intercepting NSA Ribadu's phone call," confirming that the prosecution was initiated based on the former governor's own public statements rather than an independent investigation. The unusual circumstances of the case—where a defendant's own admission appears to form the basis of criminal charges—have sparked debate about the legal implications of public officials making such disclosures.
Security Measures and Political Context
Despite El-Rufai's absence, security arrangements around the court premises remained robust. Premium Times reported "tight security around court premises" as authorities had prepared for the high-profile arraignment, reflecting the sensitive nature of charges involving alleged breaches of national security protocols.
The case emerges against a backdrop of complex political dynamics within Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, has been a controversial figure in Nigerian politics, known for his confrontational style and willingness to challenge both political opponents and allies. His relationship with the current administration has been subject to speculation, particularly after he was not appointed to a ministerial position following President Tinubu's inauguration in 2023, despite widespread expectations.
The charges relate to violations of Nigeria's Cybercrimes Act and potentially other legislation governing the interception of communications, which typically require judicial authorization. Legal experts have noted that unauthorized phone tapping by private individuals or public officials outside established legal frameworks constitutes a serious criminal offense under Nigerian law, carrying potential prison sentences.
Implications for Governance and Privacy
The prosecution of a former state governor on such charges is unprecedented in Nigeria's recent political history and raises broader questions about surveillance practices, privacy protections, and the accountability of public officials. The case could set important legal precedents regarding the limits of political intelligence-gathering and the consequences of publicly disclosing potentially illegal surveillance activities.
As the April 23 court date approaches, observers will be watching closely to see whether El-Rufai appears voluntarily or whether the SSS will need to take additional measures to ensure his presence. The outcome of the case could have significant ramifications for political discourse in Nigeria, particularly regarding what information public figures can legally obtain and disclose about their political rivals or government officials.
The adjournment provides both prosecution and defense additional time to prepare their cases, though it also extends the period of uncertainty surrounding one of Nigeria's most prominent political figures. Whether this delay serves strategic purposes for either party remains to be seen as the legal proceedings unfold in the coming months.