The federal government has filed a three-count charge against Nasir El-Rufai at the federal high court in Abuja over the alleged unlawful interception of the phone communications of Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA).
In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026 and dated February 16, 2026, the federal republic of Nigeria is listed as complainant, while the former Kaduna governor is named as defendant.
According to the court document, the charges stem from statements El-Rufai allegedly made during an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on February 13, 2026, in Abuja.
In count one, the prosecution alleged that El-Rufai admitted during the interview that he and his associates unlawfully intercepted Ribadu’s phone communications. 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 accused the former governor of stating during the same programme that he knew and related with an individual who unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s phone communications but failed to report the person to relevant security agencies. The charge is anchored on section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024.
In count three, the prosecution alleged that El-Rufai and others still at large used technical equipment or systems in 2026 within Abuja to compromise public safety and national security by unlawfully intercepting Ribadu’s phone communications. The count is brought pursuant to section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The document stated that the alleged actions instilled “reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians”.
The charge was filed by counsel to the prosecution from the Department of State Services (DSS), including M.E. Ernest, O.M. Owan, U.M. Bulla, C.S. Eze and E.G. Orubor.
As of press time, no date had been announced for the arraignment.
