Former Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is set to face trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja following criminal charges filed by the Department of State Services over alleged cybercrime and national security violations.
The case has been assigned to Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who fixed February 25, 2026, for the arraignment after the charges were filed by the security agency.
In the three-count charge, the Department of State Services accused Nasir El-Rufai of violating provisions of the Cybercrimes Act and the Nigerian Communications Act. The charges are linked to the alleged unlawful interception of communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Security authorities claimed the former governor made statements during a television interview suggesting knowledge of the interception and failed to report the matter to relevant authorities. He was also accused of involvement in activities considered capable of undermining public safety and national security.
Meanwhile, the former governor has also been questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over separate corruption allegations. Although he was granted administrative bail, he was subsequently taken into custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, which confirmed he remains under investigation.
El-Rufai is expected to appear before the Federal High Court later this month to respond to the charges.
