The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a three-count charge against former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over the alleged interception of the telephone conversation of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The charge was filed on Monday before the Federal High Court in Abuja by counsel to the DSS.
According to the secret police, the alleged offences contravene provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
In the first count, the DSS alleged that el-Rufai, on February 13, 2026, while appearing as a guest on Prime Time, a programme on Arise Television, admitted that he and unnamed associates unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the NSA. The agency said the alleged act is contrary to and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
DSS charge against El-Rufai
In the second count, the DSS accused the former governor of stating during the same interview that he knew and had dealings with an individual who unlawfully intercepted Ribadu’s phone communications, without reporting the matter to relevant security agencies. The charge cited Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
The third count alleged that el-Rufai and others still at large, sometime in 2026 in Abuja, used technical equipment or systems that compromised public safety and national security, and instilled reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians by unlawfully intercepting the NSA’s phone communications. The DSS said the offence is punishable under Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
During the televised interview last Saturday, el-Rufai had claimed that “someone wiretapped” Ribadu’s phone, enabling him to hear the NSA allegedly directing security operatives to effect his arrest.
“He made the call because we listened to their calls. The government thinks they are the only ones that listen to calls, but we also have our ways. He made the call and gave the order,” el-Rufai said during the programme.
“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.”
The charges come days after a mild drama at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where security operatives reportedly attempted to arrest el-Rufai upon his return from Cairo, Egypt.
The former governor said DSS operatives who met him at the airport did not present any letter of invitation. He further alleged that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had asked DSS operatives to “abduct” him at the airport.