The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday admitted fresh evidence presented by the Department of State Services (DSS) in the ongoing trial of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai over alleged illegal phone tapping of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and breach of national security.
The second prosecution witness, prominent lawyer Deji Adeyanju, told the court that El-Rufai admitted during a television interview that “we listened to the conversation of the NSA.”
Led in evidence by prosecuting counsel Oluwole Aladedoye, Adeyanju confirmed he was present at the studio when the former governor made the statement. The court viewed the interview recording, after which the witness affirmed its authenticity. The prosecution also tendered Adeyanju’s own interview captured on a flash drive, accompanied by a certificate of compliance. Both items were admitted as Exhibits H and H1.
Adeyanju further revealed that he was invited by the DSS for questioning following the broadcast and reiterated to investigators what he heard El-Rufai say on air. He added that the former governor claimed someone else carried out the tapping and forwarded the information to him.
Under cross-examination by defence counsel Paul Erokoro, Adeyanju clarified that while he did not hear El-Rufai explicitly claim to have hacked the NSA’s phone lines, he distinctly recalled the statement: “we listened to the conversation of the NSA.” He maintained that details regarding the NSA’s communication devices were outside his concern.
The court also admitted an official gazette without objection from the defence, marked as Exhibit I. A subpoena used to summon Adeyanju was earlier admitted as Exhibit G.
El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, is facing a five-count amended charge.
Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the matter to Tuesday, June 23, 2026, for continuation of the trial.
A story of courage, wonder, and the transformative power of self-belief; perfect for readers aged 10+ who love adventure. To place order: +234 806 130 3237 | +234 803 582 0870 OR Tap the link to grab a copy:https://www.zeekapublish.com/product/the-magical-life-of-anna
