The Federal Government of Nigeria 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 (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
Court documents reveal that the 65-year-old appeared on Prime Time on Arise TV on February 13, 2026, where he allegedly admitted involvement in the interception and acknowledged knowing individuals who carried out the act but failed to report them to the relevant authorities.
The charges, filed under suit number TABU/DET/CR/99/2026, include three counts:
- Count One: Alleging that El-Rufai admitted to unlawfully intercepting the NSA’s communications, contrary to Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
- Count Two: Accusing him of knowing the individuals responsible for the interception but failing to report them, violating Section 27(b) of the same Act.
- Count Three: Claiming he deployed technical systems in a manner that compromised public safety and national security, instilling fear among the public, contrary to Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The prosecution team, acting on behalf of the Federal Government, is led by M.E. Ernest, alongside O.M. Owan, U.M. Bulla, C.S. Eze, and V.E.G. Orubor.
Officials confirmed that the case falls under the jurisdiction of the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, where El-Rufai is expected to enter his plea as proceedings commence.
The matter is anticipated to attract significant public attention given the high-profile status of the accused and the national security implications involved.
