By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Federal Government of Nigeria has filed a three-count charge against former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting the telephone communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
The matter was filed on Monday before the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Department of State Services (DSS) as complainant.
According to court documents marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, the prosecution alleges that during an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time on February 13, El-Rufai admitted that he and others unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s phone calls, conduct the government says violates the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
Count two claims El-Rufai knew that someone illegally intercepted Ribadu’s communications but failed to report the matter to relevant authorities, contravening another provision of the Cybercrimes Amendment Act.
A third count alleges that the alleged interception, involving technical equipment or systems, compromised public safety and national security, contrary to Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The government says the action is necessary in light of the serious implications for national security that arise when communications of a senior security official are publicly discussed.
As of now, no arraignment date has been set, and El-Rufai has not yet publicly responded to the charges.
