The Federal Government has filed criminal charges against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting the phone communication of National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The three-count charge was lodged before the Federal High Court in Abuja through the Department of State Services (DSS).
Prosecutors allege that El-Rufai used technical equipment to intercept Ribadu’s calls. They claim the action violated national security laws and endangered public safety.
According to court documents, the alleged offence falls under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024. The law criminalizes unlawful interception of electronic communications.
Nasir El-Rufai made the claim during a televised interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time program on February 3, 2026.
In that interview, he openly stated that he and others had tapped and monitored the phone conversations of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, while Ribadu was carrying out his official duties.
El-Rufai even suggested that he knew about his own impending arrest in advance because of this wiretapping.
This disclosure was not made in a private setting but on national television, which is why it immediately triggered widespread outrage.
Civil society groups, legal experts, and government officials described it as a serious breach of national security.
Government officials also claim he committed the act alongside unnamed individuals who are currently at large.
In count two, the Federal Government argues that El-Rufai was aware that the NSA’s communications had been unlawfully intercepted but failed to report the matter to security authorities.
The charge also cites Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003. Prosecutors say the alleged interception created “reasonable apprehension” among Nigerians.
Alleged Admission and Legal Grounds
Court filings state that during the television interview, the defendant acknowledged circumstances linking him to the incident.
Authorities argue that such admission strengthens the prosecution’s case under the Cybercrimes Act, which prohibits unauthorized access and interception of digital communications.
The Federal Government maintains that interception of a sitting NSA’s communication threatens national stability.
It contends that failure to report such a breach compounds the offence.
The Cybercrimes Act was amended in 2024 to strengthen provisions on digital security and electronic privacy.
If convicted under the cited sections, penalties could include imprisonment, fines, or both, depending on the court’s findings.
EFCC Appearance Sparks Divided Protests
Supporters and critics gathered Monday at the Abuja headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as El-Rufai arrived at the commission’s office.
The former governor reportedly honored an invitation from the anti-graft agency.
His appearance came days after his legal team confirmed he would present himself to investigators.
That confirmation followed what aides described as a failed attempt to arrest him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport last Thursday.
Protesters outside the EFCC’s Jabi office were split.
Some demonstrated in support of the former governor.
Others demanded a thorough investigation into the allegations.
Witnesses described the atmosphere as tense but largely peaceful.
There was mild drama when security operatives reportedly prevented members of El-Rufai’s entourage from entering the EFCC premises.
He later proceeded into the facility while protesters remained outside.
El-Rufai, who previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has been active in a coalition of opposition figures critical of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The case now moves to the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the charges will be tested against Nigeria’s cyber and communications laws.
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