The Federal Government has filed criminal charges against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged unlawful interception of the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The charges, filed at the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja Judicial Division, accuse El-Rufai of admitting during a television interview that he and unnamed associates intercepted the communications of the NSA.
According to the charge sheet marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the complainant in the three-count charge bordering on cybercrime and unlawful interception of communications.
Alleged Admission on Live TV
In Count One, the prosecution alleged that El-Rufai, while appearing on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on February 13, 2026, admitted that he and his “cohorts” unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of Ribadu. The offence is said to contravene Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
Count Two further accuses the former governor of stating during the same interview that he knew individuals who carried out the alleged interception but failed to report them to relevant security agencies, thereby violating Section 27(b) of the same Act.
National Security Implications
In Count Three, the prosecution alleged that El-Rufai and others still at large used technical equipment or systems to compromise public safety and national security by intercepting the NSA’s communications. The charge states that the act instilled reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians.
This count is said to be punishable under Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
DSS Named as Prosecution Counsel
The charge sheet indicates that counsel from the Department of State Services (DSS), listed as ME Ernest, O.M Owan, U.M Bulla, C.S Eze (PhD), and E.G Orubor, are representing the prosecution.
The matter is expected to come up for arraignment in the coming days, though a specific date has not yet been publicly announced.
As of press time, El-Rufai had not issued an official response to the charges.
