A Department of State Services (DSS) witness has told a Federal High Court that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, confirmed that a phone conversation referenced by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, actually took place.

The witness, who testified under the identifier “APC” for security reasons, said investigators interviewed Ribadu after a television interview by El-Rufai sparked controversy over alleged interception of communications.

According to the testimony, Ribadu acknowledged the existence of the conversation he had with the Chairman of the ICPC, Musa Aliyu, after portions of the interview were played to him. The ICPC boss also reportedly confirmed the same exchange.

The court heard that El-Rufai had, during a televised appearance, claimed that he received information from a source who allegedly intercepted the NSA’s phone conversation — a claim the DSS now argues amounts to a security breach.

The prosecution presented a flash drive containing the interview, which the court admitted as evidence and played in open court. Investigators also questioned the programme host, Charles Aniagolu, lawyer Deji Adeyanju, and a cameraman, all of whom reportedly confirmed parts of the broadcast content.

The DSS witness said the investigation concluded that El-Rufai’s remarks amounted to an “open confession” of interception-related claims that could threaten national security.

However, under cross-examination, the witness admitted that no forensic analysis, IP tracing, or device examination was conducted, saying the case relied largely on confirmations from the NSA and related officials.

The court adjourned the matter for continuation of trial.