State security service Charges El-Rufai with Cybercrime Over NSA Phone Tapping

The Nigerian government has formally filed cybercrime charges against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following his admission of involvement in the interception of the National Security Adviser’s (NSA) phone communications.

The charges were brought under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024 and the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

The action by the State Security Service (SSS) comes after Mr El-Rufai disclosed on Arise TV that he and others had access to the telephone conversations of NSA Nuhu Ribadu through an intermediary.

According to the SSS, the charges allege that El-Rufai knowingly participated in and facilitated the illegal interception of the NSA’s calls, an act that constitutes a breach of national security laws.

Details of the Charges

The charge sheet specifies multiple offences attributed to El-Rufai:

1. Unlawful Interception: On February 13, 2026, during an interview on Arise TV, El-Rufai admitted to being aware of and involved in unlawful phone tapping of the NSA. The SSS stated this contravenes Section 12 (1) of the Cybercrime Act 2024.
2. Failure to Report Illegal Acts: El-Rufai allegedly knew individuals who intercepted the NSA’s communications but failed to report them to security authorities, violating Section 27(b) of the Cybercrime Act.
3. Use of Technical Systems Compromising National Security: The former governor and other unidentified individuals are accused of employing technical equipment that undermined public safety and national security, in breach of Section 131 (2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

The charges indicate that the actions could instill fear and uncertainty among Nigerians, and they carry significant legal consequences.

The Nigerian government has formally filed cybercrime charges against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following his admission of involvement in the interception of the National Security Adviser’s (NSA) phone communications. The charges were brought under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024 and the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

The action by the State Security Service (SSS) comes after Mr. El-Rufai disclosed on Arise TV that he and others had access to the telephone conversations of NSA Nuhu Ribadu through an intermediary. According to the SSS, the charges allege that El-Rufai knowingly participated in and facilitated the illegal interception of the NSA’s calls, an act that constitutes a breach of national security laws.

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Background of the Case

The filing follows a directive from the Office of the National Security Adviser, prompting the SSS to investigate Mr. El-Rufai’s public statements. During his televised interview, El-Rufai claimed:

“Nuhu made the call and gave the order that I must be in custody yesterday. He gave the order because we listen to their calls; the government thinks they’re the only ones listening to calls, but we also have our ways.”

When confronted about the legality of the act, El-Rufai acknowledged the illegality but argued that government officials routinely monitor communications without court orders.

Ongoing Investigations

El-Rufai is currently under scrutiny by multiple security agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and the State Security Service. He has confirmed scheduled meetings with ICPC operatives and the EFCC as part of ongoing investigations into his activities.

The SSS filing underscores the government’s determination to enforce cybercrime laws and protect the integrity of national security communications.