Nigeria’s political temperature just went up again.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has fixed February 25, 2026, to arraign former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged cybercrime and breach of national security.
Yes.
You read that right.
A former governor. In court. Over alleged interception of the National Security Adviser’s phone.
The Case File
The matter, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, has been assigned to Justice Joyce Abdulmalik by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho.
Arraignment date? Locked in: February 25.
According to court filings, the DSS slammed a three-count criminal charge against El-Rufai, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting the telephone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
This is not political gossip. This is a formal charge before a federal court.
What Exactly Is He Accused Of?
The DSS says the alleged actions violate provisions of:
- The Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024
- The Nigerian Communications Act, 2003
Now let’s break down the explosive part.
Count One:
On February 13, 2026, while appearing on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme in Abuja, El-Rufai allegedly admitted during a live interview that he and others unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s phone communications.
If proven, the DSS argues this violates Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes Amendment Act 2024.
Count Two:
During that same interview, El-Rufai allegedly stated that he knew and related with an individual who unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s communications — and failed to report that person to relevant authorities.
The DSS says that omission alone attracts punishment under Section 27(b) of the same Act.
In simple terms?
They’re saying:
You admitted interception.
And you admitted knowing who did it.
And you didn’t report it.
That’s the backbone of the prosecution’s case.
The Arise TV Bombshell
During the live broadcast, El-Rufai claimed he overheard Ribadu directing security operatives to detain him.
He linked that alleged directive to what he described as an attempted arrest at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on February 12, when he returned from Cairo, Egypt.
That interview is now central evidence.
Because according to the DSS, it wasn’t just political drama — it was a confession.
Detention Carousel: EFCC → Bail → ICPC
And that’s not where it ends.
Before this DSS arraignment move, El-Rufai had already been in custody.
He was detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for questioning over an alleged ₦432 billion fraud case.
He was later granted administrative bail at about 8 p.m. on Wednesday.
But freedom was short-lived.
Shortly after his release, he was reportedly taken into custody again — this time by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
So within days:
- EFCC detention
- Administrative bail
- ICPC custody
- Now DSS arraignment
If this were fiction, people would say it’s exaggerated.
But it’s real. And it’s unfolding fast.
What This Means
Let’s be clear: an arraignment is not a conviction.
Under Nigerian law, El-Rufai remains innocent until proven guilty.
However, being formally charged under the Cybercrimes Amendment Act — particularly over alleged interception of the NSA’s communication — elevates this from political disagreement to a national security issue.
The Cybercrimes Act 2024 tightened provisions around unlawful interception and electronic surveillance. Convictions under relevant sections can carry severe penalties, including imprisonment.
If the prosecution proves:
- Unauthorized interception occurred, and
- The defendant admitted involvement or knowledge,
then this case could redefine accountability at the highest levels of Nigerian politics.
If they fail?
It becomes another high-voltage political prosecution that fizzled out.
Either way, February 25 is no small date.
Political Shockwaves
This development lands in an already tense political climate.
El-Rufai is not a fringe actor. He is a former governor, former FCT Minister, and a major political strategist with national influence.
Charges of this magnitude ripple beyond courtrooms. They affect alliances, 2027 calculations, and power equations.
The real question now is simple:
Will this case proceed cleanly through evidence and law?
Or will it morph into a broader political confrontation?
What to Watch Before February 25
- Will El-Rufai challenge jurisdiction before arraignment?
- Will there be an application for bail?
- Will the DSS present the full Arise TV transcript as primary evidence?
- Will additional counts be filed?
Nigeria’s legal process can be unpredictable. But this case is already headline material.
For now, all eyes are on the Federal High Court in Abuja.
February 25 is around the corner.
And when a former governor walks into court over alleged interception of the National Security Adviser’s phone, that’s not just another political story.
That’s history in motion.