The ongoing trial of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai resumed on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the prosecution presented additional evidence. The witness, Mr. Deji Adeyanju, a lawyer and activist, testified that he was present during El-Rufai's controversial interview on Arise Television on February 13. His remarks have sparked allegations regarding the unlawful interception of communications belonging to Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser.
El-Rufai faces five amended charges, including failure to report the alleged interception, which is a violation of the Cybercrimes Act of 2024. During cross-examination, Adeyanju clarified that he did not hear El-Rufai explicitly state that he had hacked NSA phone lines, but recalled hearing him claim, “We listened to the conversations of the NSA.” Adeyanju, who was subpoenaed to testify, also mentioned issuing a public statement when news of El-Rufai's potential arrest surfaced.
The court reviewed a recording of the interview as part of the proceedings, which continues to draw significant attention. El-Rufai served as governor from 2015 until 2023 and held a ministerial position under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.