The Federal Government has concluded plans to arraign former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations that he unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Court documents filed on February 16, 2026, reveal that El-Rufai is facing a three-count charge bordering on alleged violations of Nigeria’s cybercrime and communications laws.
According to the charge sheet, Count One accuses El-Rufai of admitting, during a February 13 appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme, that he and his associates unlawfully intercepted communications belonging to the National Security Adviser.
The alleged offence is said to contravene Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, which criminalises the intentional and unauthorised interception of electronic communications.
Count Two alleges that the former governor knowingly associated with individuals involved in the unlawful interception and failed to report them to relevant security agencies, in violation of Section 27(b) of the same Act.
In Count Three, the prosecution claims that El-Rufai used technical equipment or systems to compromise public safety and national security by intercepting the NSA’s communications. This charge is brought under Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
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The charges were filed by counsel representing the Department of State Services (DSS), including M.E. Ernest, O.M. Owan, U.M. Bulla, C.S. Eze, and E.G. Orubor.
Legal observers note that the case could test the enforcement scope of the recently amended Cybercrimes Act, particularly in matters involving national security, digital surveillance, and unauthorised interception of communications.
If convicted, the offences carry penalties ranging from substantial fines to terms of imprisonment, depending on the severity and interpretation of the charges under the relevant statutes.
The Federal High Court in Abuja is expected to fix a date in the coming days for El-Rufai’s arraignment, where he will formally respond to the charges.
The development marks a significant escalation in the legal challenges facing the former governor, as federal authorities move to prosecute the alleged offences under Nigeria’s strengthened cyber and communications regulatory framework.