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SSS Accuses El-Rufai’s Family Of Inciting Public Against Judiciary

The Department of State Services (DSS), also known as the State Security Service (SSS), on Tuesday told the Federal High Court in Abuja that members of the family of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, allegedly embarked on media campaigns capable of inciting public opinion against the judiciary and security agencies handling his case.

Counsel to the DSS, Oluwole Aladedoye, SAN, made the allegation before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik during continuation of proceedings in the ongoing trial involving the former governor.

According to the prosecution, the alleged “inciteful” actions included public claims by members of El-Rufai’s family that he was being maltreated in custody and unfairly targeted by security agencies. 

The DSS lawyer specifically cited an incident on May 15, 2026, when one of El-Rufai’s wives reportedly arrived at the facility of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) with cameramen and allegedly livestreamed claims that the former governor was being denied food and access to family members.

The prosecution also referred to comments made by political figures and sympathisers suggesting that El-Rufai’s life could be in danger while in custody. According to Aladedoye, such statements heightened public tension and compelled security operatives to transfer him to DSS custody to avoid further controversy.

The DSS further alleged that the situation escalated when members of El-Rufai’s family, including two wives and a son, reportedly visited the DSS headquarters alongside journalists and publicly criticised the bail conditions imposed by the court. 

The prosecution argued that rather than seek redress through legal channels, the family resorted to social media campaigns and press engagements that could undermine public confidence in the judiciary.

Aladedoye therefore urged the court to caution the former governor and his relatives against further public comments, insisting that the matter before the court was a criminal prosecution and not political persecution.

Responding, defence counsel E. E. Ekere told the court that El-Rufai should not be held responsible for comments made outside the courtroom, although he assured the court that the defence team would advise family members and supporters to exercise restraint. 

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, while reacting to the allegations, stated that she does not pay attention to narratives circulating on social media and directed that such issues remain outside courtroom proceedings as the trial continues.

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