Connect with us

Crime

UPDATE: DSS Arraigns Nasir El-Rufai, Pleads Not Guilty to 5 Count Charges

Published

on

209 Views

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday arraigned former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai on a newly amended five-count charge involving the alleged unlawful wiretapping of National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu.

Appearing before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court in Abuja, El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to all counts.

The charges allege violations of the Cybercrimes Amendment Act 2024 and the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, specifically regarding unauthorized interception of communications and compromising public safety.

The case originated from a February 13, 2026, interview on Arise News, where El-Rufai reportedly admitted to tapping the NSA’s phone lines. He claimed the surveillance revealed a plot by the DSS to arrest him at the Abuja airport following a trip to Cairo.

On March 2, the ICPC raided El-Rufai’s Abuja residence, reportedly recovering specialized wiretapping equipment and documents.

A major point of contention during the proceedings was the prosecution’s application to conceal the identities of two key witnesses.

The Prosecution argued that using pseudonyms is necessary to protect the witnesses and their families from potential attacks by El-Rufai’s sympathizers.

The Defence lead counsel Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, opposed the request, arguing it is a constitutional right for the accused to face his accusers. He noted there was no evidence that El-Rufai leads a “cult-like” following or poses any physical threat.

The defense team also moved to quash the charges entirely, though the prosecution urged the court to dismiss the application as meritless.

Furthermore, Iyamu objected to a request for three consecutive trial days, citing the difficulty of accessing his client. El-Rufai is currently in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on separate matters.

Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case until May 18, 19, and 20, when the court will rule on the pending applications and begin the trial. If convicted, the former governor faces up to three years in prison.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Crime

Wanted Soldier Arrested for Supplying Military Gear to Terrorists

Published

on

9 Views

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a Nigerian Army soldier recently declared wanted for allegedly supplying military accoutrements to terrorists and other criminal elements.

Private Mohammed Yusuf of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory, Lagos, was apprehended at about 6:30 p.m. on July 25 by personnel of the 7 Provost Group at Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri. He was reportedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon when he was arrested following credible human intelligence.

The soldier had been declared wanted by the Nigerian Army on July 23. Preliminary investigations indicate that he absconded from his unit on July 7, 2026, before relocating to Maiduguri. He allegedly went into hiding in the Gomari Costain area of Jere Local Government Area with the assistance of an associate.

The military said the arrest underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and reaffirms the Nigerian Army’s commitment to holding personnel accountable for actions that undermine military ethics, discipline and national security.

Private Yusuf is currently in the custody of the 7 Provost Group, where further investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of his alleged activities and identify any accomplices.

Operation HADIN KAI reiterated that there is no safe haven for individuals who support terrorism or engage in any form of criminality, regardless of their status.

Continue Reading

Crime

BREAKING: DSS, Zamfara Forces Rescue 4 Kidnapped Students

Published

on

69 Views

In a significant breakthrough, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and Zamfara State security forces have successfully rescued the four remaining students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, who were abducted by suspected bandits.

The joint operation marks the latest success in efforts to secure the release of victims from the June abduction incident, where gunmen stormed off-campus student accommodations in the early hours, taking several students hostage.

Security sources confirmed that the students were recovered unharmed during intelligence-led raids. Details of the exact location and circumstances of the rescue are still emerging, but authorities described the operation as swift and coordinated.

This rescue comes amid ongoing security challenges in Zamfara State, where banditry has plagued communities and educational institutions. Earlier reports indicated that seven students were initially kidnapped, with some previously rescued or having escaped.

The Zamfara State Police Command and DSS have been praised for their collaborative efforts in tackling insecurity in the region. Families of the rescued students expressed relief and gratitude to the security agencies.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to restoring peace in the northwest and urged residents to provide timely intelligence to security forces. Further updates on the investigation and possible arrests are expected.

This is a developing story.

Continue Reading

Crime

DSS Set to Arraign Three Suspects Over Oriire School Abductions

Published

on

64 Views

The Department of State Services (DSS) is set to arraign three suspects before the Federal High Court on Wednesday, 23 July 2026, over their alleged involvement in the Oriire school abductions and related terrorism activities.

The suspects — Abdulrazak Umar (also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid), Yunusa Musa (also known as Yunusa Bin Musa), and Shamsu Adamu Sani (also known as Abu Itisar) — all hail from Niger State. They face a 10-count charge bordering on kidnapping, concealment of information, and terrorism-related offences.

According to the charges, the defendants are accused of knowingly withholding vital information about individuals linked to terrorist activities, actively participating in kidnapping operations, and using a messaging platform to facilitate terrorist training.

The planned arraignment marks the formal commencement of their criminal trial. The court is expected to take the defendants’ pleas and issue further directions on the matter.

The development comes as security agencies continue efforts to hold accountable those involved in the abduction of schoolchildren in Oriire and similar incidents across the region.

Continue Reading

Trending