The Federal Government is set to arraign former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations that he unlawfully intercepted the communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Court documents dated February 16, 2026, show that El-Rufai faces three counts related to the alleged interception.
The first charge stems from comments he reportedly made during a February 13 appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme, where he allegedly admitted that he and his associates intercepted the NSA’s communications. Prosecutors argue this contravenes Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
The second count accuses him of knowingly associating with individuals involved in the alleged unlawful interception without notifying security agencies, contrary to Section 27(b) of the same legislation.
The third charge alleges the use of technical equipment or systems to compromise public safety and national security by intercepting the NSA’s communications, an offence said to fall under Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
The charges were filed by legal representatives of the Department of State Services, including M.E. Ernest, O.M. Owan, U.M. Bulla, C.S. Eze, and E.G. Orubor.
The Federal High Court is expected to take up the matter in the coming days as proceedings commence.
