The Federal Government on Monday filed a three-count charge against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
The case, lodged at the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Department of State Services (DSS), alleges that El-Rufai, alongside unnamed accomplices currently at large, committed the offence while serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
According to the charge, El-Rufai admitted his involvement during an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on February 3. He is being prosecuted under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024.
In a second count, prosecutors claim El-Rufai knew about the unlawful interception of the NSA’s communications but failed to report it to security agencies.
The government further alleges that by deploying technical equipment to monitor Ribadu’s calls, the defendants endangered public safety and national security, creating “reasonable apprehension” among Nigerians. This, they argue, constitutes a violation of Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
The case adds to the political tension surrounding El-Rufai, who has emerged as a prominent figure in opposition circles critical of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
