FG Sues El-Rufai Over Alleged Illegal Interception of Phone Calls

The Federal Government has dragged the former Kaduna Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to court on three counts, alleging that he illegally monitored and intercepted the telephone communications of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

The charges were instituted before the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Department of State Services (DSS) on behalf of the government.

The charge sheet says the ex-governor, who also served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, allegedly carried out the act in collaboration with other individuals said to be at large.

The Federal Government further told the court that El-Rufai, during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on February 3, purportedly admitted involvement in the alleged offence.

The charge stated that the defendant’s action contravened Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

In the second count, the government alleged that the former governor was aware of the unlawful interception of the NSA’s communications but failed to notify appropriate security agencies as required by law.

The prosecution also contended that the alleged use of technical devices to intercept the NSA’s calls posed a threat to public safety and national security, thereby causing apprehension among members of the public.

It said the act amounted to a violation of Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.