- The Nigerian Government filed a three-count charge against Nasir El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged unlawful interception of communications
- The prosecution alleged that El-Rufai admitted on Arise TV to intercepting the communications of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, contrary to the Cybercrimes Amendment Act 2024 and the Nigerian Communications Act 2003
- Counsel representing the Department of State Services filed the charges, and the court was expected to fix a date for arraignment as legal proceedings moved forward
The Nigerian Government is set to arraign former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations that he unlawfully intercepted the telephone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
According to court documents filed on 16 February 2026, the former governor is facing a three-count charge bordering on alleged violations of Nigeria’s cybercrime and communications laws.
In Count One, the prosecution alleges that El-Rufai admitted, during a 13 February appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme, that he and his associates unlawfully intercepted the communications of the NSA. The charge states that this admission contravenes Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
Count Two accuses him of knowingly associating with individuals involved in the unlawful interception without reporting them to the appropriate security agencies, in breach of Section 27(b) of the same Act.
In Count Three, El-Rufai is alleged to have used technical equipment or systems to compromise public safety and national security by intercepting the NSA’s communications, an offence said to be punishable under Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
The charges were filed by counsel representing the Department of State Services (DSS), including M.E. Ernest, O.M. Owan, U.M. Bulla, C.S. Eze and E.G. Orubor.
The Federal High Court is expected to fix a date for arraignment in the coming days, as the government moves forward with the prosecution.
The development marks a significant escalation in the legal and political challenges currently facing the former governor, who has been under investigation by multiple agencies in recent weeks. El-Rufai has yet to issue an official response to the charges at the time of filing this report.
Legal analysts note that, if convicted, the offences carry substantial penalties under the relevant statutes, particularly where national security considerations are involved.
Further proceedings are expected to draw considerable public and political interest as the case unfolds in Abuja.