The Federal Government has officially arraigned the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, before a Federal High Court on a five-count charge involving significant breaches of the Cybercrimes Act.
The charges, filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), allege that the former governor engaged in illegal surveillance and security breaches.
Specifically, the prosecution claims El-Rufai intercepted and tapped the telephone communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
The DSS pointed to a February 13, 2026, interview on Arise TV as a primary piece of evidence. During the broadcast, El-Rufai allegedly discussed his ability to intercept the NSA’s private communications.
These amended counts cite specific violations of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003. Appearing before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all five counts.
Following the plea, the prosecution requested an accelerated hearing, stating they required only a few days to present their full case and establish the defendant’s guilt.
While the defence counsel moved for bail, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the application would be considered at the next scheduled hearing.
The matter has been adjourned to May 18, 2026.
This cybercrime case is independent of separate legal proceedings instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
El-Rufai is also facing charges related to an alleged ₦11 billion fraud during his tenure as Governor of Kaduna State. #Securitynewsalert.com
