DSS accuses El-Rufai’s family of undermining judiciary in phone-tapping trial

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday accused members of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai’s family of attempting to influence public opinion against the judiciary over his detention and bail conditions in an ongoing national security trial.

The allegation was made by Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), DSS counsel, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja during the continuation of proceedings in the case involving the former governor.

Aladedoye told the court that relatives of El-Rufai had used social media and media appearances to portray the prosecution and security agencies as persecuting the defendant rather than carrying out a criminal prosecution.

According to the senior advocate, one of El-Rufai’s wives May 15, arrived at the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) facility with cameramen and livestreamed claims that the former governor was being denied food and access to family members.

The prosecution also alleged that comments by a politician suggesting that El-Rufai could be harmed in custody prompted security agencies to move him to DSS custody.

Aladedoye further told the court that two of the former governor’s wives and a son visited the DSS headquarters with journalists and criticised the bail conditions imposed by the court.

He argued that instead of seeking redress through legal channels, the family resorted to media campaigns capable of undermining public confidence in the judiciary and the trial process.

The prosecution urged the court to caution El-Rufai and his family against further public comments on the matter, insisting that the case was a criminal trial and not political persecution.

Responding, E.E. Ekere , defence counsel said he was unaware of the allegations raised by the prosecution and argued that El-Rufai could not be held responsible for comments made outside the courtroom.

Ekere, however, assured the court that the defence team would advise the former governor’s relatives and supporters to exercise restraint in their public statements.

Justice Abdulmalik said she does not pay attention to narratives circulating on social media, adding that such issues should remain outside courtroom proceedings.

The judge subsequently directed that the trial continue.

During the proceedings, the prosecution called its first witness, identified as APC, to continue giving evidence. Aladedoye also tendered a flash drive and a certificate of compliance, which were admitted as Exhibits B and B1.

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

El-Rufai is facing prosecution over alleged breach of national security. The former governor, who was arraigned on April 23, pleaded not guilty to a five-count amended charge bordering on the alleged interception of phone conversations linked to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.