The Federal Government has filed criminal charges against former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations that he unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Court documents marked FHC/CR/99/2026 and dated February 16, 2026, show that the case was instituted before the Federal High Court in Abuja in the name of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. El-Rufai, 65, is listed as the sole defendant.
According to the charge sheet, the prosecution alleges that El-Rufai made incriminating statements during an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme in Abuja on February 13, 2026.
In Count One, prosecutors claim that during the televised interview, El-Rufai admitted that he and unnamed associates unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of Ribadu. The alleged offence is said to contravene Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
Count Two alleges that El-Rufai stated he knew and had dealings with individuals who intercepted the NSA’s phone communications but failed to report them to relevant security agencies, an action said to be punishable under Section 27(b) of the same Act.
In Count Three, the prosecution further alleges that El-Rufai and others still at large used technical equipment or systems in 2026 to intercept the NSA’s communications, thereby compromising public safety and national security. This count is brought under Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The prosecution team, acting on behalf of the Department of State Services, is pursuing the charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
No date has yet been announced for the defendant’s arraignment.
