Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai is facing criminal prosecution that could result in a jail term if he is convicted of alleged cybercrime-related offences.
The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday filed a three-count charge against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja over the alleged unlawful interception of telephone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
According to court documents, the charges were based on statements credited to El-Rufai during a televised interview in February 2026, in which he allegedly admitted knowledge of intercepted communications involving security officials.
Prosecutors said the former governor failed to report those responsible to relevant authorities and encouraged or benefited from the use of technical systems that compromised national security and public safety.
The offences are said to be contrary to provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
If convicted, El-Rufai could face up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
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Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) detained the former governor after subjecting him to several hours of interrogation at its Abuja headquarters over alleged financial impropriety linked to his tenure as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.
An EFCC source said the commission obtained a court order to keep El-Rufai in custody to allow investigators more time to review documents and agreements bearing his signature.
The investigation follows a report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly adopted in 2024, which accused his administration of mismanaging public funds and loans running into hundreds of billions of naira.
Investigators are examining allegations of diversion of state funds, money laundering, and the accumulation of domestic and foreign debts.
Part of the probe is also focused on the controversial Kaduna light rail project, for which large sums were reportedly paid to a joint venture firm despite the project not being executed.
El-Rufai’s appearance at the EFCC headquarters was accompanied by protests and counter-protests by supporters and critics, who gathered around the commission’s premises in Abuja.
While some demonstrators accused the security agencies of political persecution, others called for immediate prosecution and accountability.
In Kaduna, protesters also converged on the State House of Assembly, demanding updates on the legislative probe into the former governor’s administration.
Lawmakers said their findings had been forwarded to anti-graft agencies and that no individual would be shielded from accountability.
Security agencies have maintained that the investigations are being conducted in line with due process. El-Rufai is also expected to appear before other anti-corruption agencies as part of ongoing probes into his conduct while in office.
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