The Federal Government has instituted criminal proceedings against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations that he unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The charges, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja and marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, list the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the complainant and El-Rufai as the sole defendant.

According to court documents, prosecutors allege that during a February 13, 2026 appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme in Abuja, El-Rufai admitted that he and others intercepted Ribadu’s phone communications.

In the first count, the government argues that the alleged admission constitutes an offence under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

The second count accuses El-Rufai of acknowledging during the same interview that he was aware of individuals involved in the alleged interception but failed to report them to relevant security agencies, contrary to Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes Amendment Act, 2024.

In count three, prosecutors allege that El-Rufai and other persons still at large used technical equipment or systems in Abuja in 2026 to unlawfully intercept the NSA’s communications. The charge, filed under Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, claims the act compromised public safety and national security.

As of the time of this report, no date has been set for his arraignment.

Source: Punchng