State Security Service arrests El-Rufai after anti-crime commission release
The State Security Service (SSS) on Wednesday arrested former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai as soon as he was released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Penpushing reports that his arrest by the State Security Service (SSS) is linked to allegations that he unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
The politician, it would be recalled has been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over corruption allegations since Monday, was granted bail at about 8 pm on Wednesday.
Penpushing further reports that El-Rufai was immediately picked up by armed operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) who laid an ambush for him at the premises of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). headquarters.
The source added that El-Rufai was thereafter driven to the headquarters of the secret service agency in the Asokoro District of the Nigerian capital. It is unclear when he would be released, while it is recalled that on Monday, the security agency charged him with cybercrimes before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the phone-tapping allegation.
Penpushing also reports that the case, filed as FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, followed El-Rufai’s remarks during a live television interview on Friday, claiming that the National Security Adviser’s phone was tapped and that he heard the him directing security operatives to detain him.
The former Governor alleged that the directive prompted an attempted arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday, where he exchanged heated words with security personnel.
Penpushing reports that witnesses said officials briefly confiscated his international passport before escorting him out amid chants from supporters, and in response to the interview, the security prosecutors filed cybercrime charges against El-Rufai on Monday.
The prosecution said he admitted to intercepting the National Security Adviser’s communications, failed to report others who conducted unlawful interceptions, and compromised public safety and national security by using technical systems to tap the National Security Adviser’s phone
Penpushing further reports that the alleged acts were said to violate provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The former Governor of Kaduna State has not publicly responded to the charges, while no arraignment date has been fixed, however, El-Rufai’s arrest came amid fast-paced developments following his recent return to the country from Cairo, Egypt.
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