The Department of State Services (DSS) has instituted criminal proceedings against the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations that he unlawfully intercepted the telephone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The three-count charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, was filed on Monday before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The DSS accused the former governor of violating provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, as well as the Nigerian Communications Act.
According to court documents, the charges stem from statements allegedly made by El-Rufai during an appearance on Prime Time, a programme aired by Arise TV, on February 13, 2026.
In the first count, the DSS alleged that while featuring on the programme in Abuja, El-Rufai admitted that he and unnamed associates unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of Ribadu. The prosecution argued that this admission constitutes an offence under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
The second count accused the former governor of stating during the same interview that he was aware of, and associated with, individuals who carried out the alleged unlawful interception without reporting them to relevant security agencies. This, the DSS contended, violates Section 27(b) of the amended Cybercrimes Act.
In the third count, the agency alleged that El-Rufai and others still at large used technical equipment or systems in 2026 within Abuja to unlawfully intercept the NSA’s communications. The charge maintained that the alleged actions compromised public safety and national security, and created apprehension among Nigerians. The DSS said the offence is punishable under Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
As of press time, no date had been announced for his arraignment. The former governor has yet to publicly respond to the charges.
Meanwhile, El-Rufai on Monday appeared at the Abuja headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over ongoing investigations into alleged corruption during his tenure.
Security was tightened around the commission’s premises as officials barred members of his entourage from entering the complex. The situation caused tension outside the facility, where supporters gathered, chanting slogans and carrying placards in solidarity with the former governor.
A video circulating online showed some supporters alleging they were dispersed with teargas by security agents, while a separate group of anti-El-Rufai protesters assembled nearby, calling on him to answer to the allegations were not dispersed.
El-Rufai’s travails are coming back to back, following an earlier revelation by the DSS that a probe of him and his sons has begun over the disappearance of a public commentator, Dadiyata.
Moreover, a coalition of concerned citizens operating under the banner Kaduna Is Awake has petitioned anti-corruption and security agencies, calling for what it describes as a sweeping and independent investigation into the eight-year administration of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
The open petition, addressed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and the Department of State Services (DSS), alleges a pattern of governance between May 29, 2015, and May 29, 2023, marked by suppression of dissent, controversial demolitions, questionable security expenditures, and financial opacity.
Signed by Nasiru Jagaba on behalf of the coalition, the petition asserts that “no individual is above the law” and urges a forensic audit of public funds, including approximately $350 million in loans secured from the World Bank during the administration.
Central to the petition is the unresolved disappearance of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, who went missing in August 2019 after publicly criticising the state government. Despite sustained advocacy by civil society groups, his whereabouts remain unknown.
The coalition also referenced the detention and subsequent death of Dr. Ishaku Damina, the Chief of Kurama, who was reportedly held for months without trial and allegedly denied adequate medical care before dying shortly after his release.
Describing both incidents as raising “serious constitutional concerns,” the petition cited Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to personal liberty.
The petition revisits the 2018 abduction and killing of the Agom Adara, Maiwada Raphael Galadima, and the subsequent restructuring of the Adara Chiefdom.
It questioned the detention of Adara elders in the aftermath of the incident and raised concerns about the broader security situation in Southern Kaduna, where numerous residents reportedly lost their lives between 2016 and 2021.
According to the coalition, the adequacy of the state government’s response to violent attacks during that period warrants independent scrutiny.
A significant portion of the petition alleges misuse of state machinery to silence critics and political opponents.
It cited the arrests of activists and journalists, including Audu Maikori, Steven Kefas, Luka Binniyat and Dr. John Danfulani. The coalition also referenced disputes involving political figures such as Senator Shehu Sani and Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, including the demolition of property allegedly linked to political disagreements.
The petition argued that such actions may have infringed on constitutional protections for freedom of expression under Section 39 of the Constitution.
Urban renewal initiatives undertaken during the administration resulted in widespread demolitions of homes, markets and businesses across parts of Kaduna State. While the government at the time defended the exercise as necessary for development and urban planning reforms, several affected residents alleged inadequate compensation and economic displacement.
The coalition maintained that development initiatives must comply with due process and social justice standards.
The petition further cited public remarks attributed to El-Rufai in 2016 acknowledging negotiations and payments to armed actors to forestall reprisals. It argued that such admissions raise constitutional and jurisdictional questions regarding executive authority and the use of public funds.
It also referenced controversial public comments previously attributed to the former governor and his son, Bello El-Rufai, which generated national debate.
Financial accountability features prominently in the petition. Kaduna State secured approximately $350 million in loans from the World Bank during the eight-year period under review.
In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly initiated a probe into alleged irregularities linked to the previous administration. The coalition is now demanding a comprehensive forensic audit, noting that residents continue to bear repayment obligations tied to the loans.
Invoking Sections 14(2)(b), 35 and 39 of the Constitution, the coalition urged the EFCC, ICPC and DSS to invite and question the former governor, conduct a forensic audit of all loans and reform funds, investigate allegations of unlawful detention and abuse of office, and prosecute where evidence establishes culpability.
As of the time of filing this report, El-Rufai has not publicly responded to the petition.
