Nigerian Government has filed a three-count charge against former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja and dated February 16, 2026. The Federal Republic of Nigeria is listed as the complainant, while El-Rufai, 65, is named as the defendant.
According to the charge sheet, the allegations stem from comments El-Rufai reportedly made during an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on February 13, 2026. Prosecutors claim he admitted that he and others intercepted the National Security Adviser’s phone communications.
The three counts cite alleged violations of Section 12(1) and Section 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, as well as Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003. The charges include unlawful interception and failure to report individuals allegedly involved.
It is not yet clear when the former governor will be arraigned. As of the time of filing this report, there has been no public response from El-Rufai regarding the charges.