The Digest:
The Department of State Services (DSS) will arraign former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai on February 25 before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, over alleged cybercrime and breach of national security. The three-count criminal charge follows el-Rufai's admission during an Arise TV interview on February 13 that he and associates unlawfully intercepted phone communications of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. Count one alleges a violation of Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes Amendment Act 2024 for unlawful interception. Count two accuses him of failing to report the individual who conducted the interception to security agencies. Count three alleges the use of technical equipment compromising public safety and national security under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003. El-Rufai is currently in ICPC custody following his release from EFCC detention on corruption allegations. The case was assigned after Chief Judge John Tsoho's directive.
Key Points:
- The arraignment escalates legal jeopardy for el-Rufai, who now faces separate criminal charges alongside corruption probes.
- It tests the application of cybercrime laws to admissions made in public interviews.
- El-Rufai faces potential imprisonment, while security agencies assert legal authority.
- This signals the legal consequences of admitting to illegal surveillance.
- The timing, while in ICPC custody, reflects coordinated legal pressure.
Sources: Vanguard, NAN, DSS Charge Sheet
