The Federal Government on Monday, February 16, 2026, filed charges against former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai before a Federal High Court, Abuja Division over alleged unlawful interception of phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
According to court documents sighted by Forefront News, El-Rufai, 65, is being charged in connection with statements he reportedly made when he featured on Arise Television’s Prime Time Programme on February 13, 2026, during which he was alleged to have admitted involvement in the interception of the NSA’s phone communications and to having knowledge of individuals who carried out the act without reporting them to relevant security agencies.
The charges which were filed under case number TABU DET CR/99/2026, contain three counts.
Count One alleges that El-Rufai admitted during the television programme 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 El-Rufai of stating that he was aware of individuals who unlawfully intercepted the same communications, but failed to report them for alleged violation of Section 27(b) of the same Act.
Count Three alleges that El-Rufai used technical systems capable of compromising public safety and national security, therefore instilling apprehension among Nigerians, contrary to Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The prosecution team is being led by a Federal Government lawyers that included, ME Ernest, OM Owan, UM Bulla, CS Eze and VE G. Orubor.
The Federal Government said the matter falls within the jurisdiction of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, where Nasir El-Rufai is expected to take his plea and respond to the charges.
The case is expected to attract significant public attention owing to what is considered as sensitive national security matter involved as well as the high-profile status of El-Rufai, who is the defendant in the case.
