DSS charges Nasir El-Rufai over alleged interception of Nuhu Ribadu’s calls
The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a three-count charge against former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting the telephone conversations of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
The charges were lodged on Monday before the Federal High Court in Abuja by counsel to the secret police. According to the DSS, the alleged actions violate provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, as well as the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
In the charge sheet, the agency cited statements El-Rufai allegedly made on February 13, 2026, while appearing on **Arise Television**’s *Prime Time* programme in Abuja. Prosecutors claim he admitted that he and unnamed associates intercepted Ribadu’s communications.
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The DSS further alleged that El-Rufai acknowledged knowing individuals involved in the interception but failed to report them to security authorities. Another count accuses him and others still at large of deploying technical systems that undermined public safety and national security.
During the television interview, El-Rufai had claimed that a third party tapped Ribadu’s phone, enabling him to hear directives purportedly ordering his arrest. “The government thinks they are the only ones that listen to calls, but we also have our ways,” he said, insisting that someone else carried out the wiretapping.
The legal action follows a recent incident at the **Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport**, where security operatives attempted to detain the former governor upon his return from Cairo. El-Rufai later said the officers did not present any formal letter of invitation.
He also accused the **Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)** of requesting that DSS operatives “abduct” him at the airport — an allegation authorities have not publicly addressed.
The case is expected to ignite fresh debate over surveillance, national security and the limits of political speech as proceedings unfold.
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