The Department of State Services (DSS) has announced plans to arraign former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai on February 25 over alleged violations of cybercrime and national security laws.
According to the DSS, El-Rufai is being charged under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, as well as the Nigerian Communications Act (2003).
In the first count, the former governor is accused of admitting—during a February 13 appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja—that he and associates unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. The charge is said to be contrary to Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes Amendment Act, 2024.
The second count alleges that during the same interview, El-Rufai acknowledged knowing and associating with individuals involved in unlawfully intercepting the NSA’s communications but failed to report them to the appropriate security authorities. This allegation is said to violate Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes Amendment Act, 2024.
In the third count, the DSS claims that El-Rufai and others still at large used technical equipment or systems in 2026 in Abuja to unlawfully intercept the NSA’s communications, thereby compromising public safety and national security. The alleged act is said to contravene Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The case is expected to proceed with his arraignment on February 25.
