The DSS has filed cybercrime and national security charges against former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, fixing February 25 for arraignment at the Federal High Court Abuja.
DSS Files Cybercrime Charges Against El-Rufai, Arraignment Set for Feb 25
By Juliet Ezeh
Fresh legal troubles loom for former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as the Department of State Services (DSS) has scheduled February 25 for his arraignment before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged cybercrime and breach of national security.
The criminal case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, has been assigned to Justice Joyce Abdulmalik following approval by the Chief Judge of the court, Justice John Tsoho. The arraignment is expected to formally bring the former governor before the court to respond to a three-count charge filed by the secret police.
According to court documents, the DSS accused El-Rufai of unlawfully intercepting the telephone communications of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, an action it described as a violation of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, as well as the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The prosecution alleged that during an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja on February 13, 2026, El-Rufai admitted in the course of a live interview that he and others intercepted the phone lines of the NSA. The DSS contends that such conduct contravenes Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes Amendment Act, which criminalises unlawful interception of electronic communications.
The controversy stems from remarks made during the television interview, where El-Rufai claimed he overheard the NSA directing security operatives to detain him. He linked the alleged directive to what he described as an attempted arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on February 12, shortly after returning from Cairo, Egypt.
The cybercrime charge comes amid separate legal challenges facing the former governor. He was recently granted administrative bail around 8 p.m. on Wednesday after being detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in connection with an alleged N432 billion fraud case. However, reports indicate that shortly after his release, he was taken into custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission for further questioning.
The upcoming arraignment is expected to draw significant political and legal attention, as it touches on issues of cyber surveillance, national security, and the scope of accountability for public officials under Nigeria’s amended cybercrime laws.
Observers say the proceedings could further test the judiciary’s handling of high-profile cases involving former office holders and security-related allegations.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.