The Federal Government has filed a three-count charge against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of illegally tapping the phone of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
According to the charge, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Department of State Services (DSS), El-Rufai, who also served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, allegedly carried out the act with some accomplices who are currently on the run.
The government told the court that on February 3, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV’s Prime Time program, El-Rufai admitted his involvement in the offence.
He faces allegations under section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024.
In the second count, the former governor, a key figure in a coalition of opposition politicians unhappy with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, was said to be aware that someone unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s communications, but failed to report the crime to the relevant security agencies.
It was further alleged that by using technical equipment to intercept the NSA’s calls, the defendants endangered public safety and national security, and instilled “reasonable apprehension” among Nigerians, an offence in breach of section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
