The Federal Government has filed a three-count charge against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The charge, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Department of State Services (DSS), alleges that El-Rufai committed the offence alongside other individuals who are currently at large. The former governor, who also served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, was said to have admitted involvement during an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on February 3.
According to the charge, he is accused of violating Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024.
In the second count, the government alleged that El-Rufai was aware of the unlawful interception of the NSA’s communications but failed to notify the appropriate security agencies.
The prosecution further contended that the use of technical equipment to intercept the NSA’s calls posed a threat to public safety and national security, creating what it described as “reasonable apprehension” among citizens. This allegation is said to contravene Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
