Court Grants El-Rufai ₦100m Bail Over Alleged Interception of Ribadu’s Calls
Court Orders El-Rufai to Surrender Passport in Ongoing DSS Trial
A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai bail in the sum of ₦100 million over allegations linked to the unlawful interception of communications involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The ruling was delivered on May 18 by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik during proceedings in a case filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The charges stem from comments El-Rufai reportedly made during a February 2026 television interview in which he claimed he became aware of an alleged plan to arrest him after listening to a tapped phone conversation connected to the National Security Adviser. The DSS subsequently filed charges bordering on unlawful interception of communications and alleged violations of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act.
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Court Imposes Strict Bail Conditions
As part of the bail conditions, the court ordered El-Rufai to provide one surety in like sum who must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 17 and resident in either Maitama or Asokoro districts of Abuja. The surety is also required to submit the original Certificate of Occupancy for a landed property to the court registry.
Justice Abdulmalik further directed that the surety provide evidence of salary payments for at least three months, supported by an authenticated bank letter within the court’s jurisdiction. Additional requirements include a tax clearance certificate covering the last six months, an affidavit of means and a recent passport photograph.
The court also ordered El-Rufai to surrender all valid international passports and barred him from travelling outside Nigeria without judicial approval. He was additionally instructed to report to the DSS headquarters every last Friday of the month to sign an attendance register pending the conclusion of the trial.
DSS Expands Charges Against Former Governor
According to court filings, the DSS accused El-Rufai of unlawfully intercepting or facilitating access to communications linked to Ribadu and failing to report individuals allegedly involved in the interception to security authorities. Prosecutors later amended the initial charges from three counts to five counts before the arraignment proceeded.
During earlier proceedings, El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to all charges. His legal team argued that comments made during the television interview should not be treated as a judicial confession or admission of wrongdoing.
The DSS maintains that the alleged actions violate provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention and Amendment) Act, 2024, as well as national security regulations governing unlawful access to communications.
Legal Troubles Extend Beyond Current Trial
El-Rufai’s ongoing trial adds to a broader series of legal and political disputes involving the former governor since leaving office in 2023. Reports indicate that he is also facing separate corruption-related proceedings linked to alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as Kaduna State governor.
Although the Federal High Court granted bail in the phone interception case, legal analysts note that his release may still depend on proceedings connected to other pending cases.
Political and Legal Implications
The case has attracted national attention due to El-Rufai’s prominent political profile and the involvement of senior national security officials. Analysts say the trial may further intensify debate around cybercrime legislation, state surveillance powers and political accountability in Nigeria.
Legal observers also note that the proceedings could test judicial interpretation of cybercrime laws relating to digital communications, national security and evidentiary standards in politically sensitive cases.
Outlook for the Trial
Justice Abdulmalik ordered an accelerated hearing of the case and warned that failure to comply with any bail condition would result in automatic revocation of the bail arrangement.
As proceedings continue, attention will remain focused on the prosecution’s ability to substantiate the allegations and the broader political implications of the case within Nigeria’s evolving legal and security landscape.
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