DSS Arraigns El-Rufai on Security Breach Charges

In Abuja, the Department of State Services arraigned former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Thursday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court on a five-count amended charge alleging unlawful interception of communications and breach of national security. El-Rufai, who previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, pleaded not guilty to all counts during the proceedings.

The charges, filed by the DSS, stem from statements El-Rufai made during a February 13, 2026, appearance on Arise Television's Prime Time program in Abuja. Prosecutors allege that he admitted to intentionally intercepting the phone communications of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu without authorization, an offense under Section 121 of the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention, etc. (Amendment) Act, 2024. One count accuses El-Rufai of knowing individuals who intercepted Ribadu's calls but failing to report them, violating Section 27(b) of the same act. Another charge claims he and others at large used technical equipment in 2026 to compromise public safety and national security by accessing Ribadu's communications, contravening Section 131(2) of the Nigerian...