A Federal High Court in Abuja has heard testimony alleging that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, admitted during a television interview that he listened to the phone conversations of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The claim was made by the second prosecution witness, Deji Adeyanju, during El-Rufai’s ongoing trial over alleged violations of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

Led in evidence by prosecution counsel Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), Adeyanju told the court that he was at the same television station on February 16 awaiting an interview when El-Rufai appeared on air.

According to the witness, El-Rufai stated during the programme: “We listened to the conversations of the NSA.”

El-Rufai is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations that he unlawfully intercepted Ribadu’s communications, compromised public safety and national security, and caused apprehension among members of the public.

Adeyanju, who appeared under subpoena, said he later issued a statement after reports surfaced that security operatives planned to arrest the former governor. A video recording of the television interview was played in court, after which the witness confirmed it was the same programme in which the alleged statement was made.

The court also admitted into evidence a recording of Adeyanju’s own interview on the matter.

The witness further testified that he was subsequently invited by the DSS and asked to explain what transpired at the television station. According to him, he informed investigators that El-Rufai made the statement during the interview and later suggested that another individual carried out the alleged phone tapping and provided him with the information.

During cross-examination by defence counsel Paul Erokoro (SAN), Adeyanju acknowledged that he did not hear El-Rufai specifically say he hacked Ribadu’s phone lines. However, he maintained that he clearly heard the former governor say, “We listened to the conversations of the NSA.”

When questioned about the specific communication devices allegedly used by the NSA or whether investigators had identified any compromised device, the witness said those details were outside his knowledge.

The prosecution also tendered an official gazette, which was admitted into evidence without objection from the defence.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned further proceedings until today.

El-Rufai is facing a three-count charge bordering on the alleged unlawful interception of the NSA’s communications, failure to report individuals allegedly involved in the act, and the use of technical systems said to have compromised public safety and national security.

According to the charges, the former governor allegedly stated during an appearance on the Arise TV programme Prime Time on February 13, 2026, that he and others intercepted Ribadu’s communications. Prosecutors further allege that he knowingly associated with persons involved in the interception without reporting them to security agencies.

The third count accuses El-Rufai and others still at large of using technical equipment or systems to unlawfully intercept the NSA’s communications, an act the prosecution argues endangered national security and violated the Nigerian Communications Act.