The State Security Service (SSS) will arraign former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai on Wednesday over alleged cybercrime and breach of national security, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
The case will come up before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Earlier, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, assigned the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026 to her.
Three-Count Charge
On Monday, the SSS filed a three-count charge against El-Rufai.
Prosecutors accused him of intercepting the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
They said he violated the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
According to NAN, the first count alleges that El-Rufai admitted the interception during an interview on Arise TV on February 13 in Abuja.
Prosecutors said the admission contravenes Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes Amendment Act, 2024.
In the second count, the SSS alleged that El-Rufai knew the individual who carried out the interception but failed to report the person to security agencies. They said this act violates Section 27(b) of the same law.
Furthermore, in count three, prosecutors alleged that El-Rufai and others still at large used technical equipment in Abuja in 2026 to compromise national security. They said the action created fear among Nigerians.
EFCC, ICPC Step In
Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) detained El-Rufai on Monday over separate corruption allegations.
The commission granted him administrative bail at about 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
However, immediately after his release, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) took him into custody.
Confirming the development, ICPC spokesperson John Odey said the commission is holding El-Rufai over ongoing investigations.
“Malam Nasiru El-Rufai is in the custody of the commission in connection with ongoing investigations,” he said.
