Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, on Thursday appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja to face trial over an alleged three-count charge of cybercrime-related offences.

El-Rufai, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023, was brought before the court amid tight security, as proceedings commenced on charges said to border on breaches of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.

Although details of the charges were not fully disclosed in open court at the time of filing this report, the prosecution is understood to be alleging that the former governor engaged in actions considered to be in violation of provisions of the law regulating online communications and digital conduct.

At the brief court session, counsel to the prosecution informed the court of readiness to proceed with the case, while the defence team indicated its intention to respond to the charges in line with due process.

El-Rufai, however, pleaded not guilty to all three counts when they were read to him.

Following the plea, his legal team urged the court to grant him bail on liberal terms, arguing that he is a well-known public figure with a verifiable address and no risk of absconding. The prosecution did not strongly oppose the application but asked the court to impose conditions that would ensure his availability for trial.

In a short ruling, the presiding judge granted bail to the defendant on conditions yet to be fully detailed in court, and adjourned the matter to a later date for commencement of trial.

The case is expected to draw significant public and political attention, given El-Rufai’s prominence in Nigeria’s political landscape and his role in national discourse during and after his tenure as governor.

Further proceedings will determine the strength of the allegations as both the prosecution and defence prepare to present their arguments before the court.