The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed three criminal charges against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The charges allege that El-Rufai illegally intercepted communications of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
The charges reportedly stem from a televised interview on February 13, 2026, where El-Rufai claimed to have heard a call from NSA Ribadu through an unauthorized monitoring device, effectively admitting knowledge of the interception.
1. Unlawful Interception: El-Rufai allegedly intercepted the NSA’s phone calls without authorization, violating the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
2. Failure to Report: He is accused of being aware of the interception but failing to notify security authorities.
3. Use of Technical Equipment: He is alleged to have employed devices to intercept communications, posing a threat to national security, under the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
No court date has yet been set for the arraignment.
The charges follow El-Rufai’s public statements claiming someone tapped NSA Ribadu’s phone. The NSA’s office has denied certain allegations, including claims about the importation of thallium sulphate, and has asked El-Rufai to provide evidence to the DSS.
The case has attracted attention for its implications on privacy, national security, and legal accountability, especially when the alleged victim is a senior security official.
.jpeg)
0 $type={blogger}: