BREAKING: DSS charges El‑Rufai over alleged NSA phone interception

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El‑Rufai, at the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

According to court documents, El‑Rufai admitted during a live television interview on ARISE on February 13 to having knowledge of the interception. The DSS argues that the act endangered public safety and national security, creating fear among Nigerians.

El‑Rufai faces a three-count charge under the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act 2024 and the Nigerian Communications Act 2003. Prosecutors allege that the former governor was directly involved in the unlawful interception and failed to report others allegedly responsible for the act.

The case underscores ongoing concerns over cybersecurity and the legal obligations of public officials in handling sensitive communications.