The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed criminal charges against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged involvement in the unlawful interception of the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The three-count charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, was filed on Monday before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
According to court documents, the DSS accused El-Rufai of breaching provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
In the charge, the secret police alleged that El-Rufai, while appearing on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on February 13, 2026, admitted to unlawfully intercepting the telephone communications of the NSA. The prosecution further claimed that he acknowledged knowing individuals involved in the alleged interception without reporting them to relevant security agencies.
The DSS also alleged that El-Rufai and others still at large used technical equipment or systems that compromised public safety and national security by unlawfully tapping the NSA’s phone lines.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that El-Rufai is currently at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he is being interrogated over separate allegations of fraud.
The development has heightened political and legal attention, with further proceedings expected as the case comes before the court.
