FG Arraigns El-Rufai Over Ribadu Phone Tapping

The Federal Government has arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on a three-count charge bordering on the alleged interception of telephone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. The case was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Department of State Services (DSS).

In the charge, the government alleged that El-Rufai acted in concert with other individuals who are currently at large. Prosecutors also told the court that the former governor acknowledged involvement in the matter during a February 3 appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme.

The government said the alleged conduct violates Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024. In a separate count, it accused him of failing to notify security authorities despite being aware that the NSA’s communications had been unlawfully intercepted.

Prosecutors further argued that the alleged interception, carried out with technical equipment, threatened public safety and national security, creating fear among citizens. They maintained that the action also contravenes Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.