The Federal Government has filed criminal charges against former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged unlawful interception of phone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
According to the charge sheet before the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja Judicial Division, obtained by Real Broadcasting Network on Monday, the prosecution alleges that El-Rufai, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on February 13, admitted that he and others unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s phone communications.
During the interview, he said the NSA had allegedly instructed security operatives to effect his arrest.
“He made the call because we listened to their calls. The government thinks they are the only ones that listen to calls but we also have our ways. He made the call and gave the order,” the former governor said.
The Federal Government is relying on this televised statement as the basis of its prosecution.
In Count One, the government alleges that the defendant’s admission constitutes an offence under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
Count Two accuses El-Rufai of stating during the same interview that he knew and related with individuals who intercepted the NSA’s phone communications, without reporting them to relevant security agencies—an offence said to be punishable under Section 27 of the Act.
In Count Three, the prosecution further alleges that El-Rufai and others, still at large, used technical equipment or systems to unlawfully intercept the NSA’s phone communications, an act said to have compromised public safety and national security, and instilled fear among Nigerians.
This count is brought under Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003. The charge, dated February 16, 2026, was filed by counsel from the Department of State Services (DSS).
El-Rufai is listed as the sole defendant in the suit. No plea has been taken as of the time of filing this report.