DSS Charges El-Rufai with Cybercrime and Security Breach

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed criminal charges against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of cybercrime and breaching national security. The charges, which include three counts, are linked to allegations of illegally intercepting phone communications belonging to national security adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

The DSS claims that El-Rufai admitted to knowledge of the interception during a television interview on Arise TV on February 13. The first count accuses him of directly breaching Nigeria's cybercrime law by unlawfully intercepting private communications.

The second count alleges a failure to disclose information to the responsible individual, which prosecutors argue contributes to serious security breaches. The third count involves claims that El-Rufai interfered with the NSA's communications using large-scale technical systems, endangering public safety and creating fear among citizens.

The case is scheduled for hearing on February 25 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, assigned to Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, with Chief Judge Justice John Tsoho overseeing the court documents.