Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, faces up to two years’ imprisonment if convicted of alleged cybercrime offences filed agains...
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, faces up to two years’ imprisonment if convicted of alleged cybercrime offences filed against him by the Directorate of State Services (DSS).
The DSS on Monday filed a three-count charge at the Federal High Court in Abuja bordering on alleged unlawful interception of telephone communications.
In a related development, El-Rufai was detained late Monday night after hours of questioning by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged financial impropriety.
His appearance at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja was marked by protests from two opposing groups — supporters calling for his release and critics demanding his prosecution.
DSS Files Cybercrime Charges
The DSS filed the charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, accusing El-Rufai of unlawfully intercepting the telephone communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
The prosecution’s case draws largely from comments El-Rufai made during a February 13, 2026 interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme, in which he spoke about listening to intercepted conversations allegedly involving the NSA and security operatives.
According to the charge, El-Rufai allegedly admitted knowledge of the unlawful interception, failed to report those responsible to security agencies, and, alongside others said to be at large, benefited from or encouraged the use of technical systems that compromised national security and instilled fear among the public.
The first count alleges that El-Rufai admitted during the television interview that he and others unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s phone communications, contrary to Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
The second count accuses him of acknowledging that he knew and associated with individuals involved in the alleged interception without reporting them to relevant authorities, contrary to Section 27(b) of the same Act.
The third count alleges that he and others at large used technical equipment or systems in a manner that compromised public safety and national security, contrary to Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
Under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes Act, the offence carries a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of ₦5 million, or both upon conviction. Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act prescribes a fine not exceeding ₦100,000 or imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
EFCC Detains Former Governor
Meanwhile, the EFCC detained El-Rufai after subjecting him to about eight hours of interrogation at its Abuja headquarters.
The detention reportedly followed a court order obtained by the commission to allow investigators additional time to question him over allegations arising from a Kaduna State House of Assembly report adopted in June 2024.
Investigators are said to be probing alleged financial mismanagement involving over ₦21 billion, part of broader claims that up to ₦432 billion in loans and state funds were mismanaged during his tenure as governor from May 2015 to May 2023.
An EFCC source said the former governor was questioned over allegations of diversion of funds, money laundering, and the accumulation of what lawmakers described as unjustified domestic and foreign debts.
The source added that the commission acted on a formal petition by the Kaduna State Government, backed by resolutions of the State House of Assembly.
Part of the investigation centres on the Kaduna light rail project, for which substantial public funds were reportedly paid to a joint venture company, Indo Kaduna Marts JV Nigeria Ltd, although the project was not executed.
Assembly investigators had recommended recovery measures and referrals of former finance commissioners and accountants-general to law enforcement agencies.
An EFCC official said:
“The court order allows us to detain him to enable him make statements and clarify documents, agreements and instruments bearing his signature. How long he stays depends entirely on the court.”
Protests and Political Tension
El-Rufai’s appearance at the EFCC headquarters drew both supporters and critics, who gathered around the premises carrying placards.
Some protesters demanded accountability, displaying messages such as “El-Rufai Not Above the Law” and “Answer the Charges.” Others accused the authorities of political persecution, insisting that the former governor was being targeted for his outspoken views.
EFCC officials received petitions from protest leaders and urged calm, assuring them that the commission would act professionally and in accordance with due process.
In Kaduna, demonstrators also gathered at the State House of Assembly, seeking updates on the legislative probe into El-Rufai’s administration. Lawmakers said their findings had already been transmitted to relevant anti-graft agencies.
Background Developments
In recent weeks, El-Rufai had publicly suggested he might face arrest. He recently returned from Cairo, Egypt, and was involved in a confrontation with security operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. His passport was reportedly seized.
On Sunday, he stated on X (formerly Twitter) that he had written to the NSA seeking clarification over the alleged importation of a toxic chemical from Poland.
The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) responded by accusing him of being deceptive, stating that he had received a reply and that the matter had been referred to the DSS for investigation.
El-Rufai is also expected to appear before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission (ICPC) in connection with another matter.
During the Arise TV interview, El-Rufai had alleged that the ICPC “procured” the DSS to detain him and accused the NSA of ordering his arrest.
The allegations against him remain subject to judicial determination.
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