The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a three-count charge against Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State, for allegedly intercepting the telephone conversation of Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA).
The charge was filed by DSS counsel on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
DSS said the alleged offences contravene the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
According to the charge, El-Rufai allegedly admitted during an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme in Abuja on February 13, 2026, that he and his associates unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the NSA.
The charge reads in part:
“That you, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, adult male, on 13 February 2026, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV Station’s Prime Time programme in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this court, did admit during the interview that you and your cohorts unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.”
The secret police further alleged that El-Rufai stated during the interview that he knew and associated with an individual who unlawfully intercepted Ribadu’s phone communications but failed to report the person to relevant security agencies, contrary to Section 27(b) of the Act.
In the third count, the DSS accused El-Rufai and others still at large of using technical equipment or systems in 2026 to unlawfully intercept the NSA’s phone communications, allegedly compromising public safety and national security, and instilling reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians. The offence is said to be punishable under Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
During the televised interview, El-Rufai claimed that “someone wiretapped” Ribadu’s phone, enabling him to listen to the NSA instructing security operatives to arrest him.
“He made the call because we listened to their calls. The government thinks they are the only ones who listen to calls, but we also have our ways. He made the call and gave the order,” El-Rufai said.
“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.”
Last Thursday, there was mild drama at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport when security operatives attempted to arrest El-Rufai upon his return from Cairo, Egypt.
The former minister said DSS operatives who met him at the Abuja airport did not present any letter of invitation.
El-Rufai also alleged that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) asked DSS operatives to “abduct” him at the airport.
