DSS Files Criminal Charges Against El-Rufai for ‘Tapping’ Ribadu’s Phone

The Department of State Services (DSS), on behalf of the Federal Government, has filed criminal charges against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja Judicial Division, over alleged unlawful interception of communication and related offences.

According to a charge sheet dated February 16, 2026, the defendant is accused of admitting during a televised interview on Arise TV that he and certain associates unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The charges, instituted by the DSS, cite alleged violations of Section 12(1) and Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, as well as Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

Meanwhile, there has been no immediate response from El-Rufai or his legal representatives regarding the charges.