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Domestic legal dispute

Nasir El-Rufai Seeks to Quash DSS Charges

Analysis based on 12 articles · First reported Feb 24, 2026 · Last updated Feb 24, 2026

Sentiment
-10
Attention
2
Articles
12
Market Impact
General
Live prominence charts, article sentiment distribution, and event development timeline available on the NewsDesk Dashboard

This event primarily impacts the political and legal landscape within Nigeria, with potential implications for governance and the rule of law. While not directly affecting financial markets, it could contribute to broader sentiment regarding political stability and investor confidence in Nigeria.

Government Legal

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has filed a motion in the Federal High Court in Abuja to quash criminal charges brought against him by the Nigeria===State Security Service (Nigeria) (DSS). The charges, dated February 16, 2026, accuse Nasir El-Rufai of cybercrime and breaching national security, stemming from statements made during an Arise News interview on February 13, 2026. Specifically, the DSS alleges that Nasir El-Rufai unlawfully intercepted or knew of the interception of telephone communications of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. Nasir El-Rufai is seeking N2 billion in costs from the DSS, arguing that the prosecution is politically motivated, unconstitutional, and an abuse of judicial process. The motion cites 17 grounds, including claims that the charges disclose no offense known to law and violate his fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression and protection against self-incrimination. The case is scheduled for hearing on February 25, 2026, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

95 Nasir El-Rufai filed motion to quash criminal charges Nigeria===Federal High Court of Nigeria
70 Nasir El-Rufai alleged unlawful interception of Nuhu Ribadu's communications Nuhu Ribadu
per
Nasir El-Rufai, former Kaduna State governor, is facing criminal charges from the Nigeria===State Security Service (Nigeria) (DSS) for alleged cybercrime and breaching national security. He has filed a motion to quash these charges, seeking N2 billion in costs from the DSS, claiming political persecution and abuse of judicial process.
Importance 90 Sentiment -20
govactor
The Nigeria===State Security Service (Nigeria) (DSS) has instituted criminal charges against Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of cybercrime and breaching national security. The DSS is being sued by Nasir El-Rufai for N2 billion in costs for alleged abuse of the judicial process.
Importance 80 Sentiment -10
govactor
The Nigeria===Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja is the venue for the legal dispute between Nasir El-Rufai and the Nigeria===State Security Service (Nigeria) (DSS). Justice Joyce Abdulmalik will preside over the hearing.
Importance 60 Sentiment 0
per
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik is the presiding judge for the hearing of Nasir El-Rufai's motion to quash the charges brought against him by the Nigeria===State Security Service (Nigeria) (DSS).
Importance 40 Sentiment 0
per
Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, is mentioned as the individual whose telephone communications Nasir El-Rufai allegedly intercepted, forming the basis of some of the charges.
Importance 30 Sentiment 0
priv
Arise News is the television channel where Nasir El-Rufai made statements that led to the charges of cybercrime and breaching national security.
Importance 10 Sentiment 0
govactor
The Nigeria===Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is mentioned as being involved in separate ongoing investigations concerning Nasir El-Rufai.
Importance 5 Sentiment 0
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