By Our Correspondent
ABUJA — Dramatic scenes unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday as operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) rearrested former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, shortly after he was granted bail in his ongoing cybercrime trial.
El-Rufai had appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik to answer charges bordering on alleged violations of the Cybercrimes Act and unlawful interception of communications.
The day’s proceedings marked the formal opening of the prosecution’s case, with witnesses called to testify against the former governor.
Before the dramatic arrest, the court granted El-Rufai bail under stringent conditions, including the provision of sureties, surrender of travel documents, and periodic reporting to security authorities pending the conclusion of the trial.
However, moments after the ruling, DSS operatives reportedly moved in and took the former governor into custody within the court premises, creating tension among supporters and lawyers present in court.
The DSS has yet to officially explain the reason for the fresh arrest, though sources indicated it may be connected to additional allegations under investigation.
During proceedings, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, testified before the court and confirmed that discussions had indeed taken place between him and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
According to Ribadu’s testimony, the communication formed part of official interactions relating to ongoing investigations and national security concerns.
The prosecution relied on the testimony to support its claims that certain confidential communications had been improperly accessed and discussed outside official channels.
A prosecution witness also testified before the court, detailing how the alleged interception and handling of sensitive communications occurred.
The witness reportedly told the court that electronic records and communication logs linked the matter to individuals under investigation, adding that the security agencies considered the issue serious because it involved classified discussions among senior government officials.
Defence lawyers challenged parts of the testimony during cross-examination and maintained that the charges against El-Rufai were politically motivated.
El-Rufai is facing charges filed by the DSS over alleged breaches of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act and the Nigerian Communications Act.
The charges stem from allegations that he unlawfully intercepted communications connected to Ribadu and publicly disclosed sensitive information during a media interview earlier in 2026.
The former governor has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The case has continued to attract national attention due to El-Rufai’s stature in Nigerian politics and his recent political disagreements with elements within the ruling establishment.
Supporters of the former governor condemned the rearrest inside the courtroom, describing it as intimidation, while government officials insist the matter is strictly legal and unrelated to politics.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to a later date for continuation of trial, with more prosecution witnesses expected to testify.
Meanwhile, uncertainty remains over El-Rufai’s immediate fate following his rearrest by DSS operatives.
