The Department of State Services will arraign former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on February 25, 2026, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged cybercrime and breach of national security.
The case was assigned to Justice Joyce Abdulmalik after the Chief Judge of the court, Justice John Tsoho, approved its transfer.
The DSS filed a three-count charge against El-Rufai, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting the telephone conversations of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, alleges violations of the Cybercrimes Act 2024 and the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
According to the filing, El-Rufai allegedly admitted during a television interview on February 13 in Abuja that he and others intercepted the communications of the National Security Adviser. The agency claims this act contravenes provisions of the amended Cybercrimes law.
In another count, the former governor is accused of admitting knowledge of a person involved in intercepting the NSA’s communications without reporting the matter to security authorities.
The DSS also alleged that El-Rufai and others used technical means to compromise public safety and national security, thereby creating fear among citizens.
The allegations stem from comments El-Rufai made during a live television programme, where he claimed he overheard the National Security Adviser directing security operatives to detain him.
He linked the alleged directive to an incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on February 12 after returning from Cairo, Egypt.
The arraignment comes amid other legal troubles for the former governor. He was earlier detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over corruption allegations and later granted administrative bail.
Shortly after his release, he was taken into custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission for separate investigations.
The DSS prosecution is expected to proceed on the scheduled date as the court prepares to hear the charges against the former governor.