The Department of State Services (DSS) has requested a federal high court to conceal the identities of two key witnesses set to testify in the trial of Nasir El-Rufai.
El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, was arraigned on Thursday over allegations of unlawfully accessing a private telephone conversation involving Nuhu Ribadu. He pleaded not guilty to all five counts in the amended charge.
Following his plea, DSS counsel, Oluwole Aladeloye, urged the court to allow the witnesses to testify under pseudonyms and outside public view. He argued that such protection is necessary to safeguard the witnesses and their families from potential harm by individuals who may be sympathetic to the defendant.
However, El-Rufai’s counsel, Oluwole Iyamu, opposed the application, insisting that the law guarantees a defendant the right to know and confront those testifying against him. He argued that the DSS had not provided evidence showing that El-Rufai poses any threat capable of endangering witnesses, warning that anonymity could undermine the fairness of the trial.
The defence also requested that the court compel the DSS to provide all relevant evidence to aid in preparing its case. The prosecution objected, stating that the requested materials were not part of the documents already filed before the court.
Additionally, El-Rufai has filed an application seeking to dismiss the charges, while also applying for bail — a request the DSS has indicated it will not oppose.
The court has adjourned proceedings to May 18, 19, and 20 to hear all pending applications.
