DSS Accuses El-Rufai’s Family of Attacking Judiciary During Ongoing Trial

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday accused the family of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, of allegedly attempting to sway public opinion against the judiciary during his ongoing trial over alleged national security violations.

The allegation was raised before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja during the continuation of proceedings in the criminal case filed against the former governor.

Counsel to the DSS, Oluwole Aladedoye, told the court that members of El-Rufai’s family had repeatedly taken to social media and the press to accuse security agencies and prosecutors of victimising the former governor.

According to him, the actions of the family were capable of creating negative public sentiment against the court and undermining confidence in the judicial process.

Aladedoye cited an incident said to have occurred on May 15, where one of El-Rufai’s wives allegedly arrived at the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission facility alongside cameramen and began livestreaming claims that the former governor was being denied food and prevented from seeing family members.

The DSS lawyer further alleged that a well-known politician later made comments suggesting that El-Rufai’s safety was at risk while in custody, a development he said forced security authorities to move him into DSS custody to avoid further controversy.

The prosecution also informed the court that the situation later escalated when two of El-Rufai’s wives and one of his sons reportedly visited the DSS headquarters with journalists and publicly criticised the bail conditions earlier granted by the court.

Aladedoye argued that instead of pursuing complaints through legal means, the defendant’s family chose to engage in what he described as a media campaign capable of putting undue pressure on the court.

He urged the judge to caution the former governor and his supporters against further public statements on the matter, insisting that the case should not be politicised.

“The matter before the court is a criminal prosecution and not political persecution,” the senior lawyer submitted.

Responding, defence counsel, E. E. Ekere, told the court that he was not aware of the allegations mentioned by the prosecution.

Ekere maintained that El-Rufai should not be held liable for comments or actions taken by supporters and family members outside the courtroom.

He, however, assured the court that the defence team would advise the former governor’s relatives and sympathisers to exercise restraint while the trial continues.

Justice Abdulmalik, while addressing the submissions, stated that she does not pay attention to narratives circulating on social media.

The judge said issues outside the courtroom should not interfere with judicial proceedings and subsequently ordered that the trial continue.

Following the ruling, the prosecution called its first witness, identified in court simply as APC, to continue giving evidence.

During the proceedings, the DSS counsel tendered a silver flash drive and a certificate of compliance through the witness. The court admitted the items as Exhibits B and B1 respectively.

Justice Abdulmalik also directed that a video interview allegedly granted by El-Rufai and stored in the flash drive be played in open court.

The former governor is currently facing prosecution over allegations bordering on national security breaches.

El-Rufai was arraigned on April 23 on a five-count amended charge accusing him of unlawfully intercepting phone conversations linked to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

He pleaded not guilty to all charges.