The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a three-count charge against Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna state.
The charges were filed on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The DSS accused El-Rufai of unlawfully intercepting the phone conversation of Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA).
According to the charge sheet, the case stems from statements El-Rufai made during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on February 13, 2026.
In count one, the DSS alleged that El-Rufai admitted during the interview that he and others intercepted Ribadu’s phone communication. The prosecution said the act violates Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
In count two, the service accused him of admitting that he knew an individual who intercepted the NSA’s phone but failed to report the matter to security agencies. The DSS said this contravenes Section 27(b) of the same Act.
In count three, the prosecution alleged that El-Rufai and others still at large used technical systems to intercept the NSA’s phone conversation in a manner that compromised public safety and national security. The DSS said this violates Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
Interview Comments Trigger Charges
During the February 13 interview, El-Rufai claimed that someone wiretapped Ribadu’s phone.
“He made the call because we listened to their calls,” he said. “The government thinks they are the only ones that listen to calls but we also have our ways. He made the call and gave the order.”
He further stated: “Someone tapped his phone. The government listens to our calls all the time without a court order. Someone tapped his phone and told us that he gave the order.”
His comments followed an incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, last Thursday.
Security operatives had attempted to arrest him when he returned from Cairo, Egypt.
El-Rufai said DSS operatives met him at the airport but did not present any letter of invitation.
Furthermore, he alleged that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) directed the DSS to “abduct” him at the airport.
The DSS has now taken the matter to court, formally charging the former governor over the alleged phone interception.
As of the time of filing this report, the court has not announced a date for his arraignment.
