In a dramatic twist in the wiretapping trial of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, the prosecution has leveled serious allegations against his family, accusing them of orchestrating a media campaign to undermine the judiciary. During Tuesday’s session at the Federal High Court in Abuja, lead prosecutor Oluwole Aladedoye, SAN, asserted that relatives of the defendant have been leveraging social media and press appearances to portray the legal proceedings as a form of persecution.
Aladedoye detailed a specific incident on May 15, where one of El-Rufai’s wives reportedly arrived at the ICPC facility accompanied by cameramen and livestreamed claims that her husband was being denied food and family visits. He further alleged that politician Timi Frank publicly insinuated that the former governor might be harmed while in custody, prompting security agencies to transfer him to DSS custody to prevent further controversy.
The prosecution argued that the family’s actions escalated when two wives and a son visited DSS headquarters with journalists, openly criticizing the court’s bail conditions. Instead of pursuing legal remedies, Aladedoye contended, the family resorted to media campaigns that could erode public trust in the judicial system. He urged the court to admonish the defendant and his relatives to desist from further public attacks, emphasizing that the case is a criminal prosecution, not political persecution.
In response, the defense counsel claimed ignorance of the alleged incidents and maintained that El-Rufai should not be held accountable for statements made outside the courtroom. However, he assured the court that the defense would advise family members and supporters to exercise caution.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik dismissed the relevance of social media narratives, stating she pays no attention to online discussions and instructing that such matters remain outside courtroom proceedings. She directed the trial to continue. Subsequently, the prosecution submitted a silver flash drive and a certificate of compliance, which were admitted as Exhibits B and B1. The court then reviewed the drive’s contents, which included an interview El-Rufai granted to Arise News Television.