The Nigerian government is set to arraign former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu. Court documents filed on February 16, 2026, indicate that El-Rufai faces three counts related to the alleged offenses.
The first count alleges that El-Rufai admitted on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme on February 13 that he and his associates unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s communications, violating Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
The second count accuses him of knowingly associating with individuals involved in the interception without reporting them to security agencies, contrary to Section 27(b) of the same Act.
The third count charges El-Rufai with using technical equipment or systems to compromise public safety and national security by intercepting the NSA’s communications, an offense under Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The charges were filed by counsel representing the Department of State Services, including M.E. Ernest, O.M. Owan, U.M. Bulla, C.S. Eze, and E.G. Orubor. The Federal High Court is expected to hear the case in the coming days as the government proceeds with prosecution.
