The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El‑Rufai, before a Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
According to court documents, the DSS based part of its case on comments allegedly made by El-Rufai during a live television interview on ARISE TV on February 13, where he reportedly acknowledged knowledge of the interception.
The security agency argued that the alleged action posed a threat to public safety and national security, warning that such conduct could generate fear and undermined confidence in Nigeria’s security architecture.
The former governor is facing a three-count charge filed under the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act 2024 and the Nigerian Communications Act 2003. Prosecutors claim he was directly involved in the unlawful interception and also failed to report individuals allegedly connected to the act.
The case has drawn attention to growing concerns surrounding cybersecurity, surveillance laws, and the responsibilities of public officials in handling sensitive communications within Nigeria’s national security framework.
Proceedings in the matter are expected to continue as the court consider the charges brought against the former governor.
