The Federal Government has filed a three-count criminal charge against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting the telephone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The case, instituted before the Federal High Court in Abuja through the Department of State Services, alleges that the former governor carried out the act in collaboration with other individuals who are currently at large.
El-Rufai, who previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, is said to have been involved in activities considered detrimental to national security.
According to the charge sheet, the government claimed that during his appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on February 3, the defendant made statements that amounted to an admission of involvement in the alleged offence. T
he prosecution contends that his actions contravened section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024.
In the second count, the Federal Government maintained that the former governor was aware that the NSA’s communications had been unlawfully intercepted but deliberately failed to inform appropriate security authorities about the incident.
The charge further alleged that the use of technical devices to monitor and intercept the NSA’s calls posed a threat to public safety and national security.
Prosecutors argued that the alleged conduct created “reasonable apprehension” among Nigerians and constituted a violation of section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
El-Rufai, who is regarded as a prominent figure within a coalition of opposition politicians critical of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, now faces legal proceedings that could have significant political and security implications.
The case is expected to test the application of Nigeria’s updated cybercrime legislation in matters involving high-ranking public officials.
What you should know
The Federal Government has charged former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai with unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
The charges, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja through the DSS, cite alleged violations of the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act 2024 and the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
Authorities claim the act endangered national security and created public fear, while the defendant is also accused of failing to report the alleged crime.
