The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a suit against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

 

The case was filed at the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja under Charge No. 5026.

 

According to court documents, El-Rufai allegedly admitted during an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on February 13, 2026, that he and his associates unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s phone communications. The DSS claims this admission forms the basis of its legal action.

 

Details of the Charges

 

The suit contains three counts:

 

Count One alleges that El-Rufai personally admitted to unlawfully intercepting the NSA’s phone communications, an offence said to be punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

 

Count Two claims that he knowingly associated with individuals who intercepted the NSA’s communications without reporting them to relevant security agencies, contrary to Section 27(B) of the same Act.

 

Count Three accuses El-Rufai and others still at large of using technical equipment to compromise public safety and national security, thereby causing apprehension among Nigerians, in violation of Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

 

The suit, formally dated February 16, 2026, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing security and political controversy surrounding the former governor.

 

El-Rufai had previously made statements on Arise TV alleging that the NSA’s phone conversations were being intercepted. The DSS now argues that those statements amount to an admission of unlawful conduct.

 

As of the time of filing this report, the Federal High Court has yet to fix a date for hearing the matter.