FG Arraigns El-Rufai Over Alleged Illegal Tapping Of NSA’s Phone
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Federal Government has filed criminal charges against former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged unlawful interception of the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The charge, marked C2/99/2026 and dated February 16, 2026, lists the Federal Republic of Nigeria as complainant and El-Rufai, 65, as defendant.
According to court documents, the prosecution alleges that on February 13, 2026, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme in Abuja, El-Rufai admitted that he and others unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
In count one, the Federal Government contends that the alleged admission constitutes an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
Count two alleges that during the same interview, El-Rufai stated that he knew and associated with individuals who unlawfully intercepted Ribadu’s phone communications but failed to report them to relevant security agencies, contrary to Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes Amendment Act, 2024.
The third count accuses El-Rufai and others still at large of using technical equipment or systems in Abuja in 2026 to unlawfully intercept the National Security Adviser’s phone communications, an act said to have compromised public safety and national security. The offence is alleged to be contrary to Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The case was instituted by a team of Federal Government lawyers led by M.E. Ernest, alongside O.M. Owan, U.M. Bulla, C.S. Eze, and V.E.G. Orubor, and is to be heard at the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, where the defendant is expected to answer to the charges.
The case is expected to draw significant public attention given the high-profile status of the defendant and the national security implications surrounding the allegations.
