Nigeria to Arraign Nasir El-Rufai Over Alleged NSA Phone Interception

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

Court documents submitted on February 16, 2026, at the Federal High Court in Abuja show that El-Rufai will face three counts related to alleged violations of cybersecurity and communications laws.

According to the charge sheet, the first count stems from statements El-Rufai reportedly made during a February 13 appearance on *Prime Time* on Arise TV. Prosecutors allege that he admitted that he and associates intercepted the NSA’s communications, an action said to contravene 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 interception without reporting them to security agencies, contrary to Section 27(b) of the same law.

The third count alleges that technical equipment or systems were used to compromise public safety and national security by intercepting the NSA’s communications, an offence under Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

The charges were filed by counsel representing 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 fix a date for arraignment in the coming days.