DSS files three-count cybercrime charge against El-Rufai

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a three-count criminal charge against Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, over alleged cybercrime offences.

The charges, instituted on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, relate to El-Rufai’s alleged involvement in the interception of telephone communications of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA). The case is marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026.

According to the DSS, the former governor breached provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

In the first count, El-Rufai is alleged to have admitted during a February 13 interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja that he and associates unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s communications.

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The DSS said this contravenes Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes Amendment Act.

The second count charges El-Rufai with knowingly associating with individuals who unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s communications without reporting them to relevant security agencies, an offence punishable under Section 27(b) of the same Act.

The third count alleges that El-Rufai, together with others still at large, used technical systems in a manner that compromised public safety, national security, and instilled apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians.

The DSS said this violates Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

The Federal High Court is expected to hear the matter in the coming days.

According to the DSS, the alleged actions represent a breach of national security protocols and legal provisions under both the Cybercrimes and Communications Acts, underscoring the seriousness of the offences.