The Federal Government has instituted criminal charges against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations of unlawful interception of phone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The charge, marked C2/99/2026 and dated February 16, 2026, lists the Federal Republic of Nigeria as complainant and El-Rufai as defendant, according to court documents obtained by PUNCH Online.
Court filings indicate that the prosecution’s case centres on statements allegedly made by El-Rufai during a television appearance on February 13, 2026, while featuring as a guest on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme in Abuja.
The Federal Government claims that during the broadcast, El-Rufai admitted that he, along with others, unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser.
In the first count, the prosecution alleges that the admission constitutes an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
The Cybercrimes Act, originally enacted in 2015 and subsequently amended, criminalises unauthorised interception of electronic communications and imposes penalties for breaches of cybersecurity and privacy laws. Section 12(1) specifically addresses unlawful interception of communications transmitted through computer systems or networks.
The second count alleges that El-Rufai stated during the same television interview that he knew and had relationships with individuals who unlawfully intercepted Ribadu’s phone communications, but failed to report them to relevant security agencies.
This allegation is said to contravene Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes Amendment Act, 2024, which mandates citizens to report knowledge of cybercrime offences to appropriate authorities.
The third count claims that El-Rufai and others still at large, sometime in 2026 in Abuja, employed technical equipment or systems to unlawfully intercept the National Security Adviser’s phone communications.
The prosecution contends that this act compromised public safety and national security, contrary to Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The Nigerian Communications Act regulates telecommunications infrastructure and activities in Nigeria and includes provisions designed to protect the integrity and security of communications networks. Section 131(2) addresses offences related to unlawful interference with telecommunications systems.
El-Rufai served as Governor of Kaduna State from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023, completing two terms in office. Prior to his governorship, he held various federal appointments, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory from 2003 to 2007 under the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
His tenure as governor was marked by significant policy reforms in education, urban planning, and security management, though his administration also faced criticism over handling of communal conflicts and religious tensions in the state.
Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, is a former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and has held senior security and intelligence roles within the Nigerian government. He was appointed NSA by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023.
The allegations against El-Rufai come amid heightened national concern over cybersecurity threats, privacy violations, and the use of surveillance technology by state and non-state actors.
Phone tapping and unauthorised interception of communications have been subjects of public and legislative scrutiny in Nigeria, particularly concerning the balance between national security interests and individual privacy rights.
Legal experts have previously noted that prosecutions under the Cybercrimes Act require substantial evidence of intent, technical capability, and actual breach of communications systems, making such cases legally complex.
The case is expected to attract significant public and political attention given El-Rufai’s prominence in Nigerian politics and the serious nature of the charges involving national security implications.
Further details regarding court proceedings, legal representation, and responses from the defendant are expected to emerge as the case progresses through the judicial system.
