DSS Charges El-Rufai Over Alleged Phone Tapping

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed three charges against Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor, concerning the unlawful interception of phone communications belonging to Nuhu Ribadu, a national security adviser. The charges were filed on February 13, 2026, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026.

The DSS accuses El-Rufai of breaching the Cybercrime Prohibition and Prevention Act 2024 and the Nigerian Communications Act 2003. The first count alleges that during an interview on Aris TV's prime-time program, El-Rufai admitted to unlawfully intercepting Ribadu's phone communications.

The second count states that he knowingly failed to report this interception to relevant security agencies. The third count claims that he compromised public safety and national security by using advanced technical equipment for this interception, instilling insecurity among Nigerians.

Each count carries penalties under the respective acts.