ABUJA: Nigeria’s secret police, the Department of State Services, have filed a three-count criminal charge against former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
The charges were entered on behalf of the Federal Government before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Prosecutors allege that the former governor carried out the act with unnamed accomplices who are currently at large.
According to court filings, the government claims El-Rufai acknowledged involvement during a February 3 appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme. Authorities argue that such interception violates provisions of Nigeria’s cybercrime laws and poses a threat to national security.
A second count accuses the former governor of failing to report knowledge of the alleged illegal interception to security agencies.
Prosecutors further contend that the use of technical equipment to monitor the NSA’s communications created public anxiety and could undermine national safety.
El-Rufai, who also previously served as minister of the Federal Capital Territory under former president Olusegun Obasanjo, is currently aligned with opposition political figures critical of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The case is expected to generate significant political and legal debate as proceedings unfold, given the high-profile individuals involved and the broader implications for privacy, security, and political rivalry in Nigeria
