Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong claims the federal government lacks genuine interest in prosecuting Nasir El-Rufai over cybercrime allegations
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has said the federal government is not genuinely interested in prosecuting former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, despite the cybercrime charges filed against him.
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Speaking on Channels TV on Tuesday, Effiong criticised the seriousness of the case, arguing that the charges lacked critical investigative details expected in a criminal prosecution.
El-Rufai, 66, faces allegations linked to the alleged unlawful interception of phone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Effiong noted that the charge sheet filed through the Department of State Services omitted essential information, including the nature of the alleged equipment, its acquisition, storage, and access.
“I am telling Nigerians that the Federal Government of Nigeria has no interest in prosecuting Nasiru El-Rufai on this issue. They are not interested,” Effiong said.
Court documents show that prosecutors relied on statements El-Rufai made during an appearance on Arise TV on February 13. The charges include:
- Participating in the interception of Ribadu’s communications, allegedly violating Section 12(1) of the 2024 Cybercrimes Act.
- Failing to report an individual involved in the interception, contrary to Section 27(b) of the same law.
- Breaching provisions of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, allegedly compromising national security.
No date has been set for El-Rufai’s arraignment.
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El-Rufai, a former supporter of President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 elections, later joined the opposition African Democratic Congress after his proposed ministerial appointment did not materialise. He has pledged to challenge Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
