By Nworisa Michael
The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed criminal charges against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged unlawful interception of telephone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The three-count charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, was filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday.
According to court documents, the DSS accused El-Rufai of breaching provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, as well as the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
In the first count, the DSS alleged that El-Rufai, during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time Programme on February 13, 2026, admitted to involvement in the unlawful interception of the NSA’s telephone communications.
The second count alleges that the former governor acknowledged knowing an individual who intercepted Ribadu’s phone lines but failed to report the matter to relevant security agencies.
In the third count, the DSS accused El-Rufai and others said to be at large of using technical equipment or systems that allegedly compromised public safety and national security by intercepting the NSA’s communications.
The charges reportedly stem from comments made by El-Rufai during his televised interview, where he referenced the interception of a phone conversation involving the National Security Adviser.