The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed criminal charges against former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over his alleged involvement in the unlawful interception of the telephone communications of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
Court records show that the three-count charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, was filed on Monday before the Federal High Court of Nigeria sitting in Abuja.
Allegations linked to TV interview
According to the charge sheet, the case stems from statements allegedly made by El-Rufai during an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on February 13, 2026.
Prosecutors claim that during the interview, the former governor admitted that he and certain associates unlawfully intercepted communications linked to the National Security Adviser. Authorities argue that such an act violates provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
The prosecution further alleges that El-Rufai also stated during the interview that he knew individuals involved in the interception but failed to notify relevant security agencies. Investigators claim this omission constitutes a separate offence under the cybercrime law.
Communications Act violation alleged
In the third count, prosecutors accuse El-Rufai and other suspects still at large of deploying technical equipment or systems that allegedly compromised public safety and national security by intercepting the NSA’s communications.
The charge claims that such actions created reasonable fear and apprehension among Nigerians and therefore violate Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
Legal implications and next steps
Legal observers note that if the charges proceed to full trial, the court will examine whether the statements allegedly made during the televised interview amount to admission of wrongdoing or fall within protected political speech.
Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the court is expected to fix a date for arraignment and further proceedings, where the accused would formally respond to the charges.
As of the time of filing this report, El-Rufai or his legal representatives had yet to issue an official response to the allegations. The DSS has also not released additional public details beyond the filed charges.
The case is expected to attract significant public and political attention, given El-Rufai’s prominence in Nigeria’s political landscape and the sensitive nature of allegations relating to national security communications.
