- DSS Files Three-Count Charge
- Ex-minister detained after hours of interrogation
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai risks up to two years’ imprisonment if convicted on fresh cybercrime charges filed against him.
The Directorate of State Services (DSS) on Monday arraigned the former governor on a three-count charge bordering on alleged intrusion into privacy and unlawful interception of communications.
The charges, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, accuse El-Rufai of unlawfully intercepting telephone conversations of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, stems from comments he made during a February 13, 2026 appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme, where he allegedly admitted listening to intercepted communications.
According to the prosecution, El-Rufai acknowledged knowledge of the unlawful interception, failed to report those involved to security agencies, and, alongside others said to be at large, benefited from or encouraged the use of technical systems that compromised national security.
Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024 prescribes a two-year jail term or N5 million fine, or both, upon conviction. Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 provides for a fine of up to N100,000 or one year imprisonment, or both.
EFCC detention
Separately, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) detained El-Rufai after subjecting him to about eight hours of interrogation at its Abuja headquarters over alleged financial impropriety.
The commission secured a court order to extend his detention to allow further questioning on allegations arising from a June 2024 report of the Kaduna State House of Assembly.
Investigators are probing claims that over N21 billion must be accounted for, amid broader allegations that up to N432 billion in loans and state funds were mismanaged during his tenure between May 2015 and May 2023.
An EFCC source said the former governor was grilled on alleged diversion of funds, money laundering and the accumulation of domestic and foreign debts described by lawmakers as unjustified. The commission is acting on a petition from the Kaduna State Government backed by Assembly resolutions.
Part of the investigation centres on the Kaduna light rail project, for which public funds were reportedly paid to Indo Kaduna Marts JV Nigeria Ltd, though the project was not executed. Lawmakers had recommended recovery measures and referrals of key officials to anti-graft agencies.
Read Also: El-Rufai may spend night at EFCC over alleged N432bn mismanagement
Protests, counter-protests
El-Rufai’s appearance at the EFCC office sparked protests and counter-protests in Abuja. Supporters and critics gathered around the premises, chanting solidarity songs and demanding either his prosecution or release.
Civil society groups displayed placards reading “El-Rufai Not Above the Law” and “Let Justice Speak,” while others described the investigation as politically motivated.
EFCC officials received petitions from protest leaders and urged calm, assuring them of professionalism and due process.
In Kaduna, demonstrators also stormed the State House of Assembly, demanding updates on the legislative probe. Lawmakers insisted their findings had been forwarded to anti-graft agencies and that no one would be shielded from accountability.
The former governor had recently said he anticipated arrest. Days earlier, he returned from Cairo and created a stir at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, when security operatives sought to question him.
El-Rufai has also traded accusations with the Office of the National Security Adviser, which accused him of being economical with the truth over claims involving alleged importation of toxic substances.
He is further expected to appear before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission (ICPC) in connection with another matter.
The investigations are ongoing.
