The Federal Government has charged former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the alleged unlawful interception of phone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser (NSA) , Nuhu Ribadu.
Court documents indicated that El-Rufai, 65, appeared as a guest on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme on February 13, 2026, where he reportedly admitted involvement in the interception and acknowledged knowing those who carried out the act without reporting them to security agencies.
The charges, filed under reference number TABU DET CR/99/2026, contain three counts.
Count One alleges that El-Rufai admitted during the television interview that he and his associates unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, contrary to Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
Count Two accuses him of stating that he knew individuals who unlawfully intercepted the same communications but failed to report them, in violation of Section 27(b) of the same Act.
Count Three alleges that he used technical systems to compromise public safety and national security and instilled apprehension among Nigerians, contrary to Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The case was filed by a team of Federal Government lawyers led by ME Ernest, OM Owan, UM Bulla, CS Eze and VE G. Orubor.
Authorities said the matter falls within the jurisdiction of the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, where the former governor is expected to respond to the charges.
