BREAKING: FG Files Three-Count Charge Against el-Rufai

The Federal Government has filed a three-count charge against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, over the alleged unlawful interception of telephone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
The charge, entered on Monday before the Federal High Court in Abuja through the Department of State Services (DSS), also alleged that the former governor committed the offence in collaboration with individuals who are currently at large.

According to the Federal Government, el-Rufai, who previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, admitted to involvement in the act during an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on February 13.
He was charged under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
In the second count, the prosecution alleged that the former governor was aware of the unlawful interception of the NSA’s communications but failed to report the incident to the appropriate security authorities.
The government further contended that the use of technical equipment to intercept the NSA’s calls endangered public safety and national security, thereby causing reasonable apprehension among Nigerians. The alleged action was said to contravene Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
El-Rufai is also described as a prominent member of a coalition of opposition politicians critical of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.