By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
The Federal Government has filed a three-count criminal charge against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged unlawful interception of the phone communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
The charge, lodged before the Federal High Court in Abuja through the Department of State Services (DSS), accused El-Rufai of conspiring with other individuals said to be currently at large to carry out the alleged offence.
According to court documents, the Federal Government alleged that the former governor admitted to his involvement when he appeared as a guest on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on February 3.
The prosecution said the alleged act contravened Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
In the second count, the government alleged that El-Rufai was aware that the NSA’s communications had been unlawfully intercepted but failed to report the matter to relevant security agencies.
The third count further accused the former governor and others at large of using technical equipment to intercept Ribadu’s calls in a manner that allegedly endangered public safety and national security. The charge stated that the action instilled “reasonable apprehension” among Nigerians, contrary to Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
El-Rufai, who previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, is also a prominent member of a coalition of opposition politicians critical of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
As of the time of filing this report, neither El-Rufai nor his legal representatives had publicly responded to the charges.
The case is expected to test the scope of Nigeria’s cybercrime and communications laws, particularly as it involves two high-profile political figures.
