The Federal Government has arraigned former Kaduna State Governor 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 filed under suit number TABU/DET/CR/99/2026, El-Rufai, 65, allegedly admitted during a February 13, 2026 appearance on Prime Time on Arise TV that he was involved in the interception of the NSA’s phone communications. He was also said to have acknowledged knowing those who carried out the act but failed to report them to the appropriate security agencies.
The three-count charge alleges that El-Rufai admitted to unlawfully intercepting the National Security Adviser’s communications, contrary to Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024. He is further accused of failing to report individuals involved in the alleged interception, in violation of Section 27(b) of the same Act.
In the third count, the Federal Government alleges that the former governor 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, acting on behalf of the Federal Government. The matter is before the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, where El-Rufai is expected to enter his plea as trial proceedings commence.
The case is anticipated to attract significant public interest given the high-profile status of the accused and the national security implications of the allegations.
