Proceedings in the wiretapping trial of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai took a dramatic turn on Tuesday as the prosecution accused members of his family of using the media to attack the judiciary and undermine public confidence in the legal process.
Lead prosecuting counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), told the Federal High Court in Abuja that relatives of the former governor had resorted to social media campaigns and press engagements to portray the prosecution and security agencies as persecuting El-Rufai over his detention and bail conditions.
The lawyer cited an incident on May 15 where one of El-Rufai’s wives allegedly arrived at the ICPC facility with cameramen, livestreaming claims that her husband was being denied food and access to family members.
He also referenced comments by politician Timi Frank suggesting possible harm to the former governor in custody.
Aladedoye further alleged that family members, including two wives and a son, visited the DSS headquarters with journalists to criticise the court’s bail conditions.
He argued that instead of following legal channels, the family opted for media campaigns capable of inciting public opinion against the judiciary.
The prosecution urged the court to caution the defendant and his family against further public statements, stressing that the case is a criminal prosecution and not political persecution.
Defence counsel said he was unaware of the specific allegations and noted that El-Rufai could not be held responsible for comments made outside the courtroom. He promised to advise family members and supporters to exercise restraint.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik said she does not pay attention to social media narratives and directed that such issues remain outside the courtroom.
The trial continued, with the prosecution tendering a silver flash drive containing El-Rufai’s Arise News interview as evidence.
El-Rufai is facing charges related to the alleged illegal interception of communications of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
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