The Department of State Services (DSS) has scheduled February 25 for the arraignment of Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, at the Federal High Court in Abuja. This arraignment stems from allegations of cybercrime and breaches of national security, following accusations that El-Rufai unlawfully intercepted the telephone lines of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser. This legal significance of the case is underscored by the serious nature of the charges being brought against a notable political figure in Nigeria.

The case has been assigned to Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, with the charges formally filed by the DSS including a three-count criminal accusation against El-Rufai. Specifically, the charges believe El-Rufai’s actions contravene elements of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act of 2024, along with the Nigerian Communications Act from 2003. The first count refers to El-Rufai's admission during a live interview that he, alongside others, had engaged in the alleged interception.

This situation represents not only a significant legal battle for El-Rufai but also reveals deeper tensions within the political landscape of Nigeria, especially the relationship between former officials and current government policies on cybersecurity. The implications of this case could influence the public's perception of accountability and transparency within political ranks in Nigeria, highlighting the intersection between governmental authority and individual privacy rights in contemporary governance.