The Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday brought former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges linked to the alleged unlawful interception of the phone communications of National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
The DSS, represented by a team of five prosecutors led by M. E. Ernest, accused El-Rufai of conspiring with individuals still at large to intercept Ribadu’s calls. Prosecutors cited remarks El-Rufai made during a February 13 appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme, where he allegedly admitted to collaborating with others in the interception. The act, they argued, violates Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
Authorities further claimed that during the interview, El-Rufai acknowledged knowing someone involved in the unlawful interception but failed to report the individual to security agencies. This omission, prosecutors said, constitutes an offence under Section 27(b) of the same Act.
The DSS also alleged that El-Rufai and his associates deployed technical equipment that compromised public safety and national security, instilling fear among citizens. This conduct, according to the charge, breaches Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
El-Rufai pleaded not guilty when the charges were read before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. His legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Oluwole Iyamu, has filed an application seeking his release on bail pending trial.
