The Department of State Services (DSS) has formally arraigned former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, before a Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of unlawfully intercepting a private telephone conversation involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
El-Rufai, who also previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is facing a five-count amended charge filed by the security agency. The charges reportedly border on unauthorized access to classified communications and actions deemed prejudicial to national security.
According to court filings, the prosecution alleges that the former governor knowingly obtained or facilitated access to restricted telecommunication exchanges involving the NSA without lawful authorization. Such actions, if proven, could constitute violations under Nigeria’s cybercrime and national security laws, particularly provisions relating to unlawful interception and misuse of sensitive state information.
At the arraignment, El-Rufai entered his plea before the court, setting the stage for what is expected to be a closely watched legal battle, given the high-profile nature of both the defendant and the subject of the alleged interception.
Legal analysts note that the case could test the boundaries between state surveillance, privacy rights, and political accountability in Nigeria’s evolving security architecture. It also comes amid heightened scrutiny of public officials and former officeholders over alleged abuse of access to state intelligence infrastructure.
The court subsequently adjourned proceedings to a later date for hearing, while deliberations on bail conditions and preliminary applications are expected to follow.
Further details on the prosecution’s evidence and the defence’s response are anticipated as the trial progresses.
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