Federal Government has filed a three-count charge against former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, at the Federal High Court in Abuja over the alleged unlawful interception of phone communications belonging to National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The charges, filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), stem from el-Rufai’s statements during an interview on Arise News’ Prime Time programme on February 13, 2026, where he claimed that he and unnamed individuals accessed tapped conversations from Ribadu’s phone. While admitting the act was technically illegal, el-Rufai argued that such surveillance was commonplace, even by government agencies.
Count one accuses el-Rufai of admitting that he and his cohorts unlawfully intercepted Ribadu’s phone communications, violating Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024. Count two alleges he knew of individuals who carried out the interception but failed to report them to security agencies, breaching Section 27(b) of the same Act. Count three claims he and others at large used technical equipment to compromise national security by intercepting the NSA’s calls, contrary to Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
The charge sheet lists the Federal Republic of Nigeria as complainant and el-Rufai as defendant, with prosecutors relying on his public admission as key evidence. During the interview, el-Rufai stated: “Nuhu made the call and made the order that I must be in custody yesterday… Someone tapped his phone and told me,” prompting the legal action.
This development escalates tensions between the former governor and federal authorities, coming amid el-Rufai’s vocal criticisms of the current administration. Legal experts anticipate a fierce defence, potentially challenging the charges on free speech grounds or questioning the context of his remarks.
Court sources indicate el-Rufai has not yet been arraigned, with the case drawing significant public interest over implications for privacy laws and political surveillance in Nigeria.
