Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is set to face the Federal High Court in Abuja on February 25, 2026, after the Department of State Services (DSS) filed charges of cybercrime and unlawful phone interception.
The case, referenced as FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, was assigned to Justice Joyce Abdulmalik by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho. The DSS alleges that El-Rufai unlawfully intercepted the telephone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
According to the DSS, the former governor admitted during a February 13, 2026 appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme that he and others were involved in intercepting NSA phone communications. The agency said this act violates the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
In a second charge, the DSS accused El-Rufai of failing to report a person he knew who also participated in the unlawful interception. Both offences are considered serious breaches of national security and are punishable under Nigerian law.
During the television interview, El-Rufai claimed he overheard Ribadu directing security operatives to detain him. He tied this to what he described as an attempted arrest at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on February 12, 2026, shortly after returning from Cairo, Egypt.
The incident has sparked intense debate across social media and traditional news platforms, with citizens and political observers closely watching the developments.
Following the airport episode, El-Rufai was questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission regarding an alleged ₦432 billion fraud case and was later granted administrative bail around 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Reports indicate that he was subsequently taken into custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission for further questioning.
As the February 25 court date nears, analysts warn that the case could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s political and security landscape, given the high-profile nature of the charges.
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