El-Rufai to Be Arraigned in Abuja as DSS Files Cybercrime, Communications Act Charges

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai is set to be arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged cybercrimes and breaches of Nigeria’s Communications Act.

The charges, filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), accuse El-Rufai of unlawful interception of phone communications linked to the National Security Adviser.

Tight Security at Federal High Court

The arraignment is scheduled before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja. As of Tuesday morning, security operatives had taken control of the court premises amid a large turnout of political supporters and sympathisers.

Access to the courtroom on the third floor of the building was being strictly monitored, with security personnel deployed to maintain order and prevent any potential disruption.

El-Rufai and the presiding judge were being awaited at the time of reporting.

Three-Count Charge Over Alleged Wiretapping

Court documents marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026 show that the DSS filed a three-count charge against the former governor, alleging violations of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

Central to the case are statements allegedly made by El-Rufai during an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on 13 February 2026.

In one of the counts, the prosecution alleges that he admitted to unlawfully intercepting the telephone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Another count accuses him of acknowledging knowledge of individuals involved in such interception without reporting them to security agencies, an action the DSS says contravenes provisions of the Cybercrimes Act.

The third charge alleges that he and others still at large used technical equipment to compromise public safety and national security by intercepting communications belonging to the National Security Adviser.

Legal and Political Implications

The charges mark a significant legal challenge for the former governor, who remains a prominent political figure.

The case is likely to attract intense public and political scrutiny, particularly given the national security dimensions cited in the allegations.

No formal plea had been entered at the time of filing this report. Further proceedings are expected to clarify the former governor’s position and the strength of the prosecution’s case.