The Department of State Services will arraign former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai on 25 February 2026 at the Federal High Court in Abuja. He faces a three count charge. These charges accuse him of unlawfully intercepting the telephone communications of the National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
They also include related offences under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024 and the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
What the charge sheet alleges
According to the charge filed by the secret police, the offence list includes an allegation. The allegation is about a live appearance on ARISE TV’s Prime Time programme on 13 February 2026.
During this appearance, the defendant admitted knowledge of the unlawful interception of the NSA’s phone lines. The defendant is also said to have links to this unlawful activity.
One count quotes the DSS as saying that admission is contrary to Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes Amendment Act 2024.
A second count alleges that El-Rufai knew an individual who carried out interceptions. He did not report that person to security agencies. The DSS say this act attracts liability under Section 27(b) of the same amendment.
Court timetable and judge assignment
The matter is filed as FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026. The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court Justice John Tsoho assigned it to Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. She fixed 25 February for arraignment. The DSS will present the charge in open court.
Recent procedural developments and related probes
The arrest and arraignment come amid parallel probes. El-Rufai was detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for questioning in an alleged N432bn fraud matter. He was granted administrative bail.
He was subsequently said to have been taken into custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
The sequence of detentions has drawn attention to how anti-graft and security agencies coordinate high-profile investigations. Multiple agencies have overlapping jurisdictions.
Legal and political stakes
Legally, the case examines the reach of the Cybercrimes Amendment Act 2024. It also explores the interplay between national security secrecy and freedom of speech for public figures.
If the court finds that interception occurred and that a public admission was made on live television, the DSS argues there is a clear statutory breach. The DSS argues there is a clear statutory breach.
Politically, the case involves a senior former governor and a prominent commentator. Their statements on security matters have already influenced public debate.
The involvement of multiple agencies increases the drama. It raises procedural questions about arrest, detention, and bail in high profile cases.
What to watch at arraignment
Whether the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty on the three counts. Any application by defence counsel for bail conditions or to challenge jurisdiction.
How the DSS frames evidence the prosecution will rely on, including any technical proof of interception. Responses from El-Rufai’s legal team and any immediate political fallout among his allies and critics.
Immediate implications
A prosecution under the Cybercrimes Amendment Act carries potential custodial and financial penalties. It could set a precedent on prosecuting public figures for speech that admits or discusses alleged crimes.
The case will also be closely watched for how investigative agencies coordinate when allegations touch both corruption and national security.
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