Court Hears Fresh Claims Linking NSA, ICPC Boss in El-Rufai Trial Over Alleged Phone Tapping Case
By Ranti Thomas
Fresh revelations emerged at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday as a prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, told the court that conversations involving the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) featured in materials reviewed during investigation into the case.
The witness made the disclosure while being cross-examined in the case in which El-Rufai is facing charges relating to alleged interception of communications and related security offences, with the proceedings continuing before Justice… at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
According to the testimony, referenced discussions involving top security officials formed part of the investigative records examined by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), a development that drew attention in court as lawyers probed the extent of the evidence gathered.
The case stems from allegations that security operatives recovered electronic devices suspected to be linked to phone interception activities during a search conducted at El-Rufai’s residence in Abuja earlier in 2026.
Authorities had earlier claimed that items retrieved from the former governor’s home included devices believed to have security implications, which later became part of the evidence presented in court proceedings.
The trial has also raised questions around inter-agency involvement after reports that custody of the former governor was later transferred to the Department of State Services (DSS) during the course of investigation.
El-Rufai has denied all allegations, insisting the case is politically motivated, while his legal team argues that no direct evidence of criminal benefit has been established.
The matter has been adjourned for continuation of hearing as the court proceeds with further examination of prosecution witnesses.