Nigeria’s Department of State Services is set to arraign former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai on February 25 over alleged cybercrime and threats to national security, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.
The case was assigned to Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court by Chief Judge John Tsoho.
The DSS filed a three-count charge accusing El-Rufai of unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. Prosecutors allege the offences violate the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024 and the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
According to the charge, El-Rufai allegedly admitted during a February 13 appearance on Arise TV that he and associates intercepted the NSA’s communications. He is also accused of acknowledging links to another individual involved in the alleged interception without reporting the person to authorities, and of using technical systems that compromised public safety and national security.
Authorities further cited remarks he made during the interview claiming he overheard Ribadu instructing security operatives to detain him, which he linked to an attempted arrest at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport after returning from Cairo.
Separately, the former governor was detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over corruption allegations. Though granted administrative bail, he was subsequently taken into custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
Confirming the development, ICPC spokesperson John Odey said: “Malam Nasiru El-Rufai is in the custody of the commission in connection with ongoing investigations.”
