El-Rufai Faces Court Feb 25 Over Alleged Cybercrime Charges

The arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is scheduled for February 25 before a Federal High Court in Abuja, according to court notices. El-Rufai is expected to appear before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik to face a three-count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The DSS accused El-Rufai of cybercrimes and violations of the Communications Act, alleging that he was involved in the unlawful interception of the National Security Adviser’s (NSA) telephone communications. In the first count, it is claimed that El-Rufai admitted during a February 13 appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme that he and associates unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s communications. This is said to contravene Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024.

In the second count, El-Rufai is alleged to have acknowledged knowing individuals who intercepted the NSA’s communications without reporting them to the authorities, contrary to Section 27(b) of the same Act. The third count accuses him and unidentified others of using technical systems to compromise public safety and national security, violating Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

Meanwhile, the trial of former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and his son, Abdulaziz, on charges of terrorism and illegal firearms possession has been postponed to February 27. The adjournment follows a public holiday declared in the Federal Capital Territory ahead of council elections.

The DSS had arraigned Malami and his son on February 3 on a five-count charge, including accusations of storing firearms without lawful authority and failing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers during Malami’s tenure as AGF. The defendants pleaded not guilty. Justice Abdulmalik rejected an oral bail application, ordering the duo to remain in DSS custody until a formal bail application is filed.