The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a three-count criminal charge against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged cybercrime offences and breach of national security.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, was assigned to Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, by the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho. The court has fixed February 25 for El-Rufai’s arraignment.
According to the charge sheet filed on Monday, the DSS accused the former governor of violating provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
In the first count, El-Rufai is alleged to have admitted, during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on February 13 in Abuja, that he and unnamed associates unlawfully intercepted telephone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes Act, 2024.
The second count alleges that during the same interview, El-Rufai acknowledged knowing and associating with an individual who unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s communications without reporting the matter to security authorities. This allegation is said to contravene Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes Act, 2024.
In the third count, the DSS alleged that El-Rufai and others currently at large, sometime in 2026 in Abuja, used technical equipment or systems to unlawfully intercept the NSA’s phone communications in a manner that compromised public safety and national security, and instilled apprehension among Nigerians. The charge is said to be punishable under Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The charges followed El-Rufai’s claims during the televised interview that he overheard the NSA directing security operatives to detain him. He linked the alleged directive to an attempted arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on February 12 upon his return from Cairo, Egypt.
The development comes amid a series of investigations involving the former governor. He was earlier detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged corruption but was granted administrative bail on Wednesday evening.
However, shortly after his release, he was reportedly taken into custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Confirming the development, the ICPC spokesperson, John Odey, stated that El-Rufai is in the commission’s custody in connection with ongoing investigations.
El-Rufai is expected to appear before the Federal High Court on February 25 to answer the charges.
