The Federal Government has filed criminal charges against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over the alleged unlawful interception of phone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
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The charges, instituted in the name of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, were filed before the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja Judicial Division.
According to the charge sheet dated 16 February 2026, El-Rufai allegedly admitted during a live interview on Arise TV Prime Time programme aired on 13 February 2026 in Abuja that he and others unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser.
The charge contains three counts.
Count One alleges unlawful interception of the NSA’s phone communications, contrary to Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
Count Two alleges that El-Rufai failed to report individuals involved in the unlawful interception to relevant security agencies, contrary to Section 27 of the Act.
Count Three alleges the use of technical systems that compromised public safety and national security, punishable under Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
El-Rufai is listed as the sole defendant in the case. The court has yet to fix a date for his arraignment.
