By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Abuja — The Federal Government has filed criminal charges against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja Judicial Division, over allegations bordering on unlawful interception of the phone communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
According to the charge sheet sighted by the Merit Newspaper, the prosecution alleged that El-Rufai, during an interview on February 13, 2026, on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme in Abuja, made statements amounting to an admission of involvement in the interception of the NSA’s phone communications.
The Merit Newspaper reports that the Federal Government, acting through the Department of State Services (DSS), filed a three-count charge against the former governor, citing provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
In Count One, the prosecution alleged that El-Rufai unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the NSA and admitted the act during the televised interview, an offence said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes Act.
Count Two accused the former governor of stating during the same interview that he knew and related with individuals involved in the unlawful interception of the NSA’s phone communications but failed to report such persons to relevant security agencies, contrary to Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes Act.
In Count Three, the prosecution alleged that El-Rufai, alongside others said to be still at large, used technical equipment or systems to unlawfully intercept the NSA’s communications, an act which allegedly compromised public safety and national security, and instilled apprehension among Nigerians. The count is brought under Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The charges were dated February 16, 2026, and signed by a team of prosecution lawyers listed as counsel to the DSS. The matter is expected to come up for arraignment in the coming days, when the defendant will be required to enter a plea.
As of the time of filing this report, El-Rufai had not publicly responded to the charges. Efforts to reach his media aides and legal representatives for comments were unsuccessful.
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The development has sparked public and political interest due to El-Rufai’s prominence in Nigeria’s political landscape and the sensitive nature of national security communications. Legal observers note that the case, if pursued, could test the enforcement scope of Nigeria’s cybercrime and communications laws as they relate to public office holders and national security.
The court is expected to fix a date for arraignment and further proceedings.
