DSS criminal charges against El-Rufai move to court as former Kaduna governor faces arraignment over alleged wiretapping in Abuja
The Department of State Services has filed DSS criminal charges against El-Rufai as former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is set to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, February 25, over allegations of cybercrime and breach of national security.
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Justice Joyce Abdulmalik fixed the date after the case was assigned to her by the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho.
Court documents show that the DSS filed a three-count criminal charge against El-Rufai on Monday, February 16.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, alleges his involvement in the wiretapping of the telephone line of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The charges followed claims that El-Rufai participated in unauthorised interception of communications, an act the prosecution described as a violation of national security laws.
In a previous interview, El-Rufai alleged that Ribadu ordered his arrest after what he described as a failed attempt to detain him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on February 12.
El-Rufai further claimed that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission used the DSS to execute the action.
He maintained that he was aware of certain communications, stating that the government was not the only party capable of monitoring calls.
The development has triggered intense public debate, with legal analysts divided over the strength of the prosecution’s case.
Some commentators argue that the burden of proof rests squarely on the prosecution and must be established beyond reasonable doubt.
Others insist that any proven infraction involving national security warrants firm legal consequences.
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The arraignment is expected to mark the beginning of what could become a closely watched and politically sensitive trial.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
