The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has adjourned the trial of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to May 18, 19, and 20, 2026, following his arraignment on an amended charge filed by the Federal Government.
El-Rufai was on Tuesday docked on a five-count amended charge bordering on alleged unlawful disclosure of national security information, unauthorized access to classified data, interception of communications, and related offences under the Cybercrimes Act and the Nigerian Communications Act. Upon the reading of the charges, the former governor pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Following his plea, the defence filed an application for bail, which the prosecution, led by Oluwole Adedoyin, did not oppose. However, the prosecution confirmed that it opposed other applications brought by the defence, including requests relating to the charge and access to certain documents. The court heard arguments from both sides and subsequently reserved ruling on all pending applications.
Addressing journalists after the proceedings, Adedoyin disclosed that the court adjourned the matter to May 18, 19, and 20 for rulings, continuation, and full trial. He further revealed that the court granted an accelerated hearing of the case and that the prosecution is set to open its case on May 18.
The prosecution also indicated that it would be calling multiple witnesses, including operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), and has filed an application seeking to conceal the identities of those witnesses on security grounds. According to Adedoyin, the law permits such protection, and the court has reserved its decision on the application.
The charges against El-Rufai are linked to statements he allegedly made during a television interview in February 2026, which the prosecution claims involved the disclosure and handling of sensitive national security information.
With the case now slated for accelerated hearing, the next sitting on May 18 is expected to feature rulings on all outstanding applications and the commencement of trial proceedings.
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