The Digest:
The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a three-count charge against former Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja for allegedly intercepting the telephone conversation of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The charge, filed Monday, cites violations of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003. Count one alleges el-Rufai admitted on Arise TV's Prime Time programme (February 13) to unlawfully intercepting Ribadu's phone communications. Count two accuses him of knowing the individual who intercepted the call without reporting to security agencies. Count three alleges he used technical equipment compromising public safety and national security. During the interview, el-Rufai had stated: "Someone tapped his phone... The government listens to our calls all the time without a court order."
Key Points:
- The charges escalate the political feud into a criminal prosecution with serious legal consequences.
- It tests the boundaries of free speech versus national security when admitting to illegal surveillance.
- El-Rufai faces potential imprisonment, while the DSS asserts its authority against unauthorised interception.
- This signals the government's determination to pursue legal action over admitted security breaches.
- The timing, following el-Rufai's airport arrest attempt, reflects intensified state response.
El-Rufai now faces criminal prosecution over his on-air admission, with the case set to test the legality of counter-surveillance against state security agencies.
Sources: The Cable, Channels Tv
