The Federal High Court in Abuja has filed criminal charges against former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, over statements he made regarding alleged interception of the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu.
The charges, contained in a two-page document marked FHC/ABJ/C2/99/2026 and dated February 16, 2026, were reportedly signed and sighted by The First Mail on Monday. The suit is titled Federal Republic of Nigeria versus Malam Nasir El-Rufai.
According to the charge sheet, the Federal Government accused El-Rufai of admitting to unlawful interception of Ribadu’s communications during an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja on February 13, 2026.
In count one, the prosecution alleged that the former governor admitted to unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of the National Security Adviser “with his cohort,” an act said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024.
Count two stated that El-Rufai allegedly disclosed during the interview that he knew and had relationships with certain individuals involved in the unlawful interception but failed to report them to relevant security agencies. The charge claimed this omission constituted an offence under Section 27(b) of the Cybercrime Act Amendment 2024.
A third count accused the defendant and others “still at large” of using technical equipment or systems that allegedly compromised public safety and national security, and “instilled reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians.” The prosecution said the alleged act contravened Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2023.
The charge document also indicated that a five-member legal team is representing the Federal Government in the matter.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from El-Rufai or his legal representatives. The court is yet to announce a date for arraignment.
