El-Rufai phone tapping trial resumed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, with a prosecution witness denying claims that the former Kaduna State governor admitted to hacking the National Security Adviser’s phone line. Nasir El-Rufai, former Kaduna governor and ex-FCT minister, is facing a five-count amended charge bordering on alleged unlawful interception of the NSA’s telephone communications.
The prosecution called Deji Adeyanju, a lawyer and activist, as its second witness in the ongoing El-Rufai phone tapping trial. Adeyanju told the court that he was present at Arise Television on February 13, the same day El-Rufai made the controversial remarks that triggered the case.
However, he said he did not hear the defendant admit to hacking any phone line. According to him, what he heard during the broadcast was: “We listened to the conversations of the NSA,” not an explicit admission of hacking.
The Federal Government alleges that El-Rufai, during an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme, acknowledged knowledge of an individual who intercepted NSA Nuhu Ribadu’s phone communications.
Prosecutors argue that this amounts to complicity in unlawful interception under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024. The former governor is also accused of failing to report the alleged offence to security agencies. The case remains central to the ongoing El-Rufai phone tapping trial in Abuja.
During cross-examination by defence counsel Paul Erokoro, SAN, Adeyanju maintained that he did not hear any confession relating to hacking. He confirmed that he was later interviewed by the Department of State Services (DSS), where he recounted what he observed during the studio session.
The court also admitted several pieces of evidence, including: A subpoena issued to Adeyanju, a flash drive containing the Arise TV interview, certificate of compliance
The judge also reviewed a video clip of the televised interview involving El-Rufai.
The court previously granted El-Rufai bail in the sum of N100 million, with strict conditions including a Grade Level 17 federal civil servant surety and attestation from the Kaduna Traditional Council. He has remained in detention despite meeting bail discussions. Under the conditions, he is also required to report monthly to the DSS headquarters in Abuja.
El-Rufai has challenged the legality of the charges, arguing that his televised comments do not amount to a confession. He insists the statements were made voluntarily during a public interview and not under caution, as required by law. According to him, a casual media statement cannot be treated as a formal confession in criminal proceedings. Despite these arguments, the court refused to quash the case and ordered an accelerated hearing.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned proceedings until Tuesday for continuation of hearing as the El-Rufai phone tapping trial continues to draw national attention.
