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Former Governor Nasir El-Rufai faces a five-count charge for allegedly intercepting the NSA's phone conversation.

A legal storm is brewing for former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as he was arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday. The Department of State Services (DSS) dragged the ex-governor to court over allegations that he unlawfully accessed a private telephone conversation involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

El-Rufai, who once served as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is facing a five-count amended charge. The charges border on the interception and unauthorized access to sensitive security communications.

During the proceedings, the prosecution informed the court that the initial three-count charge had been expanded to five. Following this development, the presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, struck out the earlier charge sheet. The former governor, however, pleaded not guilty to all counts read to him.

The trouble began following comments made by El-Rufai during a television interview in February. While appearing on Arise Television, he openly claimed that his associates had tapped the phone of the NSA. He argued that he listened to a call where Ribadu allegedly instructed security operatives to arrest him.

"Someone tapped his phone and told us that he gave the order," El-Rufai had said during the interview. He justified the action by stating that the government often listens to citizens' calls without court orders, implying that his associates also have their "ways."

These comments sparked outrage from various quarters. The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, demanded a thorough investigation. He argued that the former governor’s confession to wire-tapping a high-ranking security official was a grave matter that deserved prosecution.

According to court documents, the prosecution alleges that El-Rufai’s actions violated the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024. Specifically, he is accused of admitting to the unlawful interception and failing to report the individuals who carried out the technical hack. The charges suggest that the act compromised public safety and national security.

The case is being prosecuted by counsel from the DSS, listing several legal representatives for the federal government. The matter continues to draw significant public attention as the legal battle unfolds.