DSS Files Cybercrime, National Security Charges Against Ex-Kaduna Governor El-Rufai

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed criminal charges against former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged cybercrime and actions said to threaten national security.

The case is scheduled for hearing on February 25 at the Federal High Court in Abuja and has been assigned to Justice Joyce Abdulmalik following approval from Chief Judge John Tsoho.

Court documents reveal that the DSS filed three criminal counts against El-Rufai, all related to the alleged illegal interception of phone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

According to the prosecution, the former governor reportedly admitted knowledge of the interception during a television interview on Arise TV on February 13 but failed to report those responsible to security authorities.

The first count accuses El-Rufai of directly breaching Nigeria’s cybercrime laws through the unlawful interception of private communications. The second count alleges that his failure to disclose information about those responsible aided a serious security breach.

The third count claims that El-Rufai and others still at large used technical systems to interfere with the NSA’s communications in a way that endangered public safety, created fear among citizens, and undermined national security.

The court filing also cites statements El-Rufai made during the same interview, including claims that he overheard instructions allegedly ordering his arrest by the NSA.

In a related development, El-Rufai had previously been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over separate corruption allegations. He was later granted administrative bail but was immediately taken into custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

An official ICPC statement confirmed: “Malam Nasiru El-Rufai is in the custody of the commission in connection with ongoing investigations.”

El-Rufai had earlier claimed that he overheard directives linked to his attempted arrest at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport following his return from Cairo, Egypt.