DSS Set to Arrest Nasir El-Rufai Over Phone Tapping Charges

The Department of State Services (DSS) is on standby to arrest and prosecute Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, following a three-count charge filed against him in the Federal High Court, Abuja. The charges allege that El-Rufai unlawfully intercepted phone communications concerning national security, specifically targeting Nuhu Ribadu, a former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The charges, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, cite violations of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act of 2024 and the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003. It is alleged that during an interview on February 13, 2026, El-Rufai admitted to unlawfully intercepting communications and acknowledged knowledge of individuals involved in the interception without reporting to security agencies.

The prosecution claims that these actions have caused public apprehension regarding national security, although El-Rufai has yet to be arraigned.