FG Charges Nasir El-Rufai Over Alleged Phone Interception

Tuesday February 17, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng

The Federal Government of Nigeria has arraigned a former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged unlawful interception of telephone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

According to court documents, El-Rufai, 65, appeared on Prime Time on Arise TV on February 13, 2026, where he allegedly admitted involvement in the interception of the National Security Adviser’s phone communications. He was also said to have acknowledged knowing individuals who carried out the act but failed to report them to relevant security agencies.

The charge, filed under suit number TABU/DET/CR/99/2026, contains three counts.

Count One alleges that El-Rufai admitted during the televised interview that he and his associates unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, an offence contrary to Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

Count Two accuses him of admitting that he knew individuals who carried out the unlawful interception but failed to report them, in violation of Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

Count Three alleges that he deployed technical systems in a manner that compromised public safety and national security and instilled fear among members of the public, contrary to Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

The prosecution team is led by M.E. Ernest, alongside O.M. Owan, U.M. Bulla, C.S. Eze, and V.E.G. Orubor, all acting on behalf of the Federal Government.

Officials said the matter falls within the jurisdiction of the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, where the former governor is expected to take his plea as trial proceedings commence.

The case is expected to draw significant public attention due to the high-profile status of the accused and the sensitive national security implications involved.
(TheGuardian)