Kaduna: Federal High Court orders El‑Rufai to mount defence in wire‑tapping case

Updated 13:32 WAT, 26 Oct 2026 · first published 26 Oct 2026, 11:47 WAT · 6 outlets reporting

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9jaPulse graphic: map of Nigeria highlighting Kaduna, Kaduna State — 9jaPulse graphic · Map: Natural Earth (public domain)

Developing: A Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected El‑Rufai’s request to dismiss the phone‑tapping allegations and ordered him to submit his defence. The ruling was delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik after hearing arguments from the former governor’s counsel, Akinyemi Aremu. The case centres on the alleged interception of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu’s communications.

What we know

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik dismissed the no‑case submission and set a defence deadline
Former Kaduna governor Nasir El‑Rufai is required to answer accusations of unlawful phone tapping
The trial involves alleged interception of NSA Nuhu Ribadu’s calls
El‑Rufai’s lawyer Akinyemi Aremu argued the prosecution had not proven a case

Why it matters: The outcome could set a precedent for how high‑profile officials are held accountable for breaches of privacy in Nigeria

Sources

Report by Channels TV – Channels TV, 2 h ago
Report by P.M. News – P.M. News, 2 h ago
Report by BusinessDay – BusinessDay, 1 h ago
Report by Punch – Punch, 45 min ago
Report by New Telegraph – New Telegraph, 35 min ago
Report by Naija News – Naija News, 5 min ago

Updates

26 Oct, 13:33 WAT – Summary updated with new reporting
26 Oct, 13:32 WAT – Now also reported by Naija News
26 Oct, 13:02 WAT – Summary updated with new reporting
26 Oct, 13:02 WAT – Now also reported by New Telegraph
26 Oct, 12:50 WAT – Now also reported by Punch
26 Oct, 12:22 WAT – Summary updated with new reporting
26 Oct, 12:22 WAT – Now also reported by BusinessDay
26 Oct, 11:47 WAT – Story published – 2 outlets

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