The Federal Government has initiated criminal proceedings against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations that he unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The case stems from remarks El-Rufai made during an appearance on Prime Time on Arise TV on February 13, 2026. In the interview, he reportedly claimed that he and several unnamed associates had listened to conversations from Ribadu’s phone after it was tapped by a third party. Although El-Rufai acknowledged that such surveillance is technically unlawful, he suggested that illegal interception of communications is not uncommon.
Acting through the Department of State Services (DSS), the Federal Government subsequently arraigned him before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a three-count charge.
According to the charge sheet obtained by newsmen, the government alleges that El-Rufai openly admitted during the televised interview that he and his associates unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s phone conversations. Prosecutors argue that this admission constitutes a violation of Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
The matter now awaits judicial determination as the court begins proceedings in what is expected to be a closely watched legal battle with significant political and security implications.
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