Federal Government to Arraign El Rufai Over Alleged Interception of NSA’s Phone Communications
The Federal Government is set to arraign former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El Rufai, before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja over allegations of unlawful interception of the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Court documents show that the charges, marked FHC/CR/99/2026, were filed in the name of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as complainant, with El Rufai, 65, listed as the sole defendant. The charge sheet is dated February 16, 2026.
According to the documents, the prosecution alleges that El Rufai made incriminating admissions during a televised interview on February 13, 2026, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme in Abuja.
In Count One, prosecutors allege that the former governor admitted to unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of the National Security Adviser. The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
Count Two alleges that El Rufai acknowledged knowing and relating with individuals who allegedly intercepted the NSA’s communications but failed to report them to relevant security agencies. The charge is brought under Section 27(b) of the same Act.
Count Three further accuses El Rufai and others still at large of using technical equipment or systems that allegedly compromised public safety and national security by unlawfully intercepting the NSA’s phone communications. The charge is said to be contrary to Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The charge sheet lists Ernest O.M., Owan O.M., U.M. Bulla, C.S. Eze, and E.G. Orubor as counsel for the prosecution, acting on behalf of the Department of State Services.
The matter is expected to proceed before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
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