FG Drags El-Rufai to Court Over Alleged Interception of NSA’s Phone
The Federal Government has filed a three-count criminal charge against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations that he unlawfully intercepted the telephone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The charges were instituted by the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Prosecutors allege that during a televised interview earlier this month, El-Rufai admitted to involvement in the interception of the NSA’s phone conversations.
According to the charge sheet, the alleged act contravenes provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024. The government further claims that the former governor failed to report the alleged unlawful activity to appropriate authorities, despite being aware of it.
In addition, the prosecution alleges that technical devices were deployed in carrying out the interception, an action said to violate relevant sections of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, and potentially threaten national security.
Although a date has not yet been fixed for arraignment, the development marks a significant legal twist in the controversy surrounding recent public statements attributed to the former governor.
