Nigerian government has filed criminal charges against former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations that he unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The three-count charge, entered before the Federal High Court in Abuja through the Department of State Services, accused El-Rufai of carrying out the act with accomplices said to be at large. Prosecutors alleged the offence breached provisions of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes law.
Government filings further told the court that the former governor admitted involvement during a February 3 appearance on a television programme, an assertion cited as part of the prosecution’s case.
In a second count, authorities claimed he was aware that the NSA’s communications had been unlawfully intercepted but failed to report the matter to security agencies.
The charge also alleged that deploying technical devices to tap the calls endangered public safety and national security and created apprehension among citizens, contrary to provisions of the Nigerian Communications Act.
El-Rufai — who previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration — had not publicly responded to the charges as of press time.
