DSS Schedules Arraignment for Nasir El-Rufai on Cybercrime

The Department of State Services (DSS) has set February 25, 2026, for the arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, is assigned to Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, with Justice John Tsoho also involved.

The DSS filed three counts of criminal charges against El-Rufai, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting telephone lines belonging to Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, which allegedly breached national security. The charges contravene provisions of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act of 2024 and the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003.

The DSS claims that El-Rufai's actions are punishable under Section 27(b) of the Cybercrime Act. This development marks a significant legal challenge for the former governor, who has been a prominent figure in Nigerian politics.