Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai to Face Charges of Cybercrime
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is set to be arraigned on April 23, 2026, in a Federal High Court in Abuja. The court session follows allegations brought against him by the Department of State Services (DSS) regarding cybercrimes and violations of the Communication Act.
The DSS’s attempt to schedule El-Rufai’s arraignment earlier this week was unsuccessful due to his absence. The counsel representing the DSS, Oluwole Aladedoye, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, informed the court that El-Rufai was currently under investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The DSS emphasized that it does not have jurisdiction over the procedures of the ICPC, leading them to request an adjournment until March 23.
El-Rufai’s legal representative, Oluwole Iyamu, did not contest the adjournment but strongly advocated for bail for the former governor. He referenced various precedents to bolster his request, highlighting the need for El-Rufai’s freedom ahead of the pending arraignment. However, Aladedoye opposed this bail application, arguing that it was premature and that such matters could only be addressed after the formal arraignment.
Following discussions, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik declined to approve the bail request, stating that the court had yet to assume jurisdiction over the case. She clarified that El-Rufai would need to apply for bail after the official arraignment process begins.
The charges against El-Rufai stem from accusations of his involvement in wiretapping the communications of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. The DSS has filed three counts against him, citing violations of both the Cybercrimes Prohibition Act of 2024 and the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003.
One of the key charges alleges that on February 13, 2026, during a television interview on Arise TV, El-Rufai admitted to unlawfully intercepting communications related to the NSA. This revelation raised concerns over national security and public safety.
In the charges, El-Rufai is accused of not only participating in the interception but also failing to report those actions to the appropriate security agencies. The DSS claims that his actions compromised public safety and fostered an environment of insecurity among Nigerian citizens.
Specifically, one charge states, “That you, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, on February 13, 2026, during a live broadcast, acknowledged involvement with individuals who unlawfully intercepted communications but did not notify the relevant authorities.”
In a further expansion of the allegations, the DSS contends that El-Rufai used technical methods that undermined national security, potentially inciting fear among the populace. The charges imply serious ramifications for both El-Rufai and the ensuing legal proceedings.
As the case unfolds, it is expected to capture significant public interest, raising important questions surrounding cyber ethics, governance, and accountability in Nigeria. The legal landscape regarding cybercrimes is evolving rapidly, and this case may set important precedents for future governance and legal frameworks.
With the court date set for April, Nigeria’s political landscape will be watching closely how developments in this case unfold and the implications for governance in the country.
— Reported by Nexio News
