The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El‑Rufai, to court.
The government says he illegally listened to the phone calls of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
- Modern Policing in the Digital Age: CSP Benjamin Hundeyin on Trust, Technology, and Reclaiming the Social Contract
- Bridges of Peace: Africa’s Global Relationships in a Season of Unity
The case was filed at the Federal High Court by the Department of State Services.
According to the charges, El-Rufai did not act alone. The government says he worked with other people who are still being looked for.
It also said that during a TV interview on Arise Television on February 3, he appeared to admit being involved.
The government accused him of breaking the Cybercrimes Act.
In another charge, it said he knew about the phone interception but did not report it to security agencies as the law requires.
Prosecutors also argued that using devices to intercept the calls could threaten public safety and national security and cause fear among citizens.
They added that the action also violated the Nigerian Communications Act.