By Ihechi Enyinnaya
The Federal Government has filed criminal charges against former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over the alleged unlawful interception of the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The charges were instituted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria before the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja Judicial Division, in Charge No. J/CA/99/2026.
According to the charge sheet dated February 16, 2026, the defendant allegedly admitted during an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme on February 13, 2026, that he and his associates unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser.
In Count One, the prosecution alleged that El-Rufai’s admission during the televised interview constituted an offence under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
Count Two further alleged that the former governor stated during the same programme that he knew and related with an individual who unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s phone communications but failed to report the person to relevant security agencies. The charge claims this act contravenes Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
In Count Three, the prosecution alleged that El-Rufai, alongside others still at large, used technical equipment or systems in 2026 to compromise public safety and national security by unlawfully intercepting the NSA’s communications. The offence is said to be punishable under Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The charge sheet indicates that the alleged actions instilled reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians.
The prosecution team, listed as counsel to the Department of State Services, includes M.E. Ernest, O.M. Owan, U.M. Bulla, C.S. Eze (PhD), and E.G. Orubor.
As of the time of filing this report, a date for arraignment had not been publicly announced, and there was no immediate response from the defendant.