The former governor, who appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

During the resumed hearing, DSS counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Oluwole Aladedoye, informed the court that an amended five-count charge was filed on April 13, requesting that it replace the earlier three-count charge.

Defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed receipt of the amended charge and did not oppose its substitution. Consequently, the court struck out the earlier charge and proceeded to read the amended counts to the defendant, who again maintained his not-guilty plea.

One of the counts alleged that El-Rufai “intentionally and without authorization intercepted the communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.”

Another count accused him of deploying technical systems that allegedly compromised public safety and national security while also creating “reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians.”

The prosecution also requested that the identities of two witnesses be protected, seeking to replace their names with pseudonyms due to security concerns. However, the defence objected, arguing that such a request violates the defendant’s constitutional right to know his accusers.

The defence further opposed the prosecution’s request for consecutive hearing dates, citing concerns that El-Rufai’s access to legal counsel could be hindered due to his custody under the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

Counsel also informed the court of a pending bail application, noting that a missing affidavit had been located.

Although the defence sought to quash the amended charge and demanded disclosure of proof of evidence for proper preparation, the prosecution urged the court to dismiss the applications, describing them as unmeritorious.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to May 18, 19, and 20 for further hearing.

Saidu, who is facing several charges bordering on alleged financial misconduct, was taken back into custody following proceedings held on Wednesday.

Sources familiar with the case said the court ordered his remand pending the continuation of his trial, which is expected to resume next month.

A source quoted by Daily Trust confirmed the development, stating: “It is true that his bail was revoked and he has been remanded.”

The former aide had earlier been granted bail after spending about 50 days in detention last year, having fulfilled the conditions set by the court at the time.

Saidu, a close ally of El-Rufai, has remained active in Kaduna’s political space and is also reportedly linked with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state.

Following the latest ruling, he is expected to remain in custody until his next court appearance.

Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) has also brought El-Rufai before a Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations concerning alleged access to a phone conversation involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The case was heard on Thursday, where the prosecution informed the court that the original three-count charge had been reviewed and expanded to five counts. The court subsequently struck out the earlier charge and replaced it with the amended version.

The matter is being presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The development marks the beginning of a 38-day window for political parties to conduct primaries and select candidates for various elective positions, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act and INEC’s revised timetable.

From this date, political parties across the country are expected to conclude their primaries for presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and State Houses of Assembly elections within 38 days, while also resolving any internal disputes that may arise.

Parties are also required to submit their membership registers to INEC at least 21 days before conducting their primaries, with a final submission deadline set for May 10, 2026.

It would be recalled that INEC earlier released a revised schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, adjusting key timelines.

Under the new timetable, the presidential and governorship elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while elections into State Houses of Assembly and governorship positions will hold on February 6, 2027.

The Commission explained that the adjustments were necessary to align with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which was recently signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after approval by the National Assembly.

In a statement signed by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC said the new legal framework made it necessary to comprehensively review previously announced election dates.