FG Arraigns El-Rufai Over Alleged NSA Phone Interception

The Federal Government has filed a three-count criminal charge against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations that he unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

The charge, instituted before the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Department of State Services (DSS), accuses El-Rufai of conspiring with unnamed accomplices—currently said to be at large—to carry out the alleged interception.

According to court documents, the Federal Government claimed that the former governor admitted involvement in the act during an appearance on Prime Time, a programme aired by Arise TV, on February 3.

The prosecution stated that the alleged offence contravenes Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024.

In the second count, the government alleged that El-Rufai was aware of the unlawful interception of the NSA’s communications but failed to report the act to appropriate security agencies, thereby breaching statutory obligations.

The third count accused the former governor of using technical equipment to intercept classified communications, an act said to have endangered public safety and national security. The charge further alleges that the action instilled “reasonable apprehension” among Nigerians, in violation of Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

El-Rufai, who also served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, is described in the filing as a prominent member of a coalition of opposition figures critical of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

As of press time, no official response had been issued by the former governor or his legal team regarding the charges.

The case is expected to test the limits of Nigeria’s cybercrime and telecommunications laws, particularly as they relate to national security and the interception of protected communications.

MO MEDIA Headlines will continue to monitor developments in the matter.