The Federal Government of Nigeria has arraigned former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of unlawfully intercepting telephone communications linked to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
According to court filings, the former governor appeared on Arise TV on February 13, 2026, where he was alleged to have admitted involvement in the interception of the NSA’s communications.
He was also said to have acknowledged knowing those responsible for the act but failed to report them to relevant security authorities.
The charge, filed under suit number TABU/DET/CR/99/2026, contains three counts.
The first count alleges that El-Rufai admitted during the televised interview that he and his associates unlawfully intercepted the National Security Adviser’s phone communications, an offence said to contravene provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act.
The second count accuses him of failing to report individuals who carried out the alleged interception, also under the same law.
The third count alleges that he deployed technical systems in a way that compromised public safety and national security and instilled fear among citizens, contrary to the Nigerian Communications Act.
The prosecution team is led by M.E. Ernest, alongside O.M. Owan, U.M. Bulla, C.S. Eze, and V.E.G. Orubor, all representing the Federal Government.
Officials said the case falls within the jurisdiction of the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, where the former governor is expected to enter his plea as trial proceedings begin.
The case is anticipated to attract significant public attention given the prominence of the accused and the national security concerns surrounding the allegations.
