The Department of State Services (DSS) is set to arraign former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai on February 25 over alleged cybercrime and breach of national security.
According to the charges, the DSS accused El-Rufai of violating provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, as well as the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
In the first count, the former governor is alleged to have admitted during an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja on February 13 that he and others unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu. The alleged offence is said to contravene Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes Amendment Act, 2024.
The second charge claims that El-Rufai acknowledged knowing and associating with an individual involved in intercepting the NSA’s phone communications without reporting the matter to relevant security agencies. The DSS stated that this action is punishable under Section 27(b) of the same Act.
In the third count, the former governor and others said to be at large are accused of using technical equipment in 2026 in Abuja to compromise public safety and national security by unlawfully intercepting the NSA’s communications.
The DSS maintained that the alleged act violated Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The arraignment is expected to take place on February 25.
