The Federal Government has filed criminal charges against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations linked to the interception of the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The case was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja under charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, with the Federal Republic of Nigeria listed as the complainant.
The charges stem from statements allegedly made by El-Rufai during a television programme on February 13, 2026, in Abuja. According to court documents, the government claimed that he admitted involvement, alongside others, in intercepting the communications of the National Security Adviser.
In the first count, the prosecution argued that the alleged admission amounts to an offence under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
The second count stated that El-Rufai acknowledged knowing individuals involved in the interception but did not report them to security agencies, which the government said violates Section 27(b) of the same law.
The third count accused El-Rufai and other unnamed persons of using technical devices or systems within Abuja in 2026 to intercept the phone communications of the National Security Adviser.
The prosecution maintained that this action affected public safety and national security. This allegation was said to be contrary to Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
As of the time of filing this report, no date had been fixed for his arraignment before the court. The case is expected to proceed once the court schedules a hearing.