DSS Arraigns Ex-Kaduna Gov El-Rufai Feb 25 Over Alleged NSA Phone Tapping, Cybercrime, and National Security Breach

 

The Department of State Services (DSS) is set to arraign former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, on February 25, 2026, at the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged cybercrime offences and breach of national security.

The three-count charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, was filed by the DSS following El-Rufai's recent appearance on Arise TV's Prime Time programme on February 13, 2026. During the interview, he reportedly admitted to knowledge of — and involvement with individuals who allegedly — unlawfully intercepted phone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

Key allegations in the charge include:

Admitting to unlawfully intercepting the NSA's phone communications, in violation of Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

Failing to report known individuals involved in such interception to relevant security agencies, contrary to Section 27(b) of the same Act.

Using technical equipment or systems that compromised public safety, national security, and created reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians by intercepting the NSA's communications — an offence punishable under Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

The case has been assigned to Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, following allocation by the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho.

This development follows El-Rufai's recent detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over separate corruption allegations (related to an alleged N432 billion probe during his tenure as governor), from which he was granted bail before being reportedly taken into DSS custody. The cybercrime charges appear directly linked to his televised statements about learning of a potential arrest through leaked NSA communications.

El-Rufai has not publicly responded to the charges as of the latest reports. The arraignment is scheduled for next Tuesday at the Federal High Court, Abuja.