The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to arraign former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu. The charges, filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), include three counts: admitting to unlawfully intercepting the NSA's phone communications, knowing and associating with individuals involved in the unlawful interception without reporting them, and using technical equipment to compromise public safety and national security.
According to court documents, El-Rufai made incriminating admissions during a televised interview on February 13, 2026, where he allegedly stated that he and others listened to conversations from Ribadu's phone after it was tapped by a third party. The Federal Government claims this act is contrary to Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The prosecution is being led by a team of Federal Government lawyers, including M.E. Ernest, O.M. Owan, U.M. Bulla, C.S. Eze, and E.G. Orubor. The case is expected to be heard in the coming days, with El-Rufai facing possible prosecution for his alleged involvement in the phone tapping.
The development has sparked widespread reactions, with some calling for El-Rufai's investigation and prosecution, while others have expressed concerns over national security implications. The Coalition of Northern Nigeria Youth Groups has demanded that El-Rufai be held accountable for his alleged involvement in the breach, citing the Cybercrimes Act and national safety protocols.
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