Protesters Gather as El-Rufai Arrives EFCC Headquarters

The Federal Government of Nigeria has filed criminal charges against former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, over the alleged unlawful interception of the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Court documents show that the case was instituted at the Federal High Court in Abuja, with the Federal Republic of Nigeria listed as the complainant and El-Rufai named as the sole defendant.

The charges reportedly stem from remarks made by the former governor during a live television appearance last Friday. According to the charge sheet obtained by Spear News Nigeria, the case is marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026 and contains a three-count charge.

Court documents showed that El-Rufai, 65, appeared as a guest on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme on Feb. 13, 2026, where he reportedly admitted to involvement in the interception and to knowing individuals who carried out the act without reporting them to security agencies.

The charges, filed under TABU DET CR/99/2026, include: Count One, Allegedly admitting during the television interview that he and his associates unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, contrary to Section 12 (1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

Count Two, Allegedly stating that he knew individuals who unlawfully intercepted the same communications but failed to report them, in violation of Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024. Count Three, Allegedly using technical systems to compromise public safety and national security, and instilling apprehension among Nigerians, in breach of Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

The case, filed by a team of Federal Government lawyers led by ME Ernest, OM Owan, UM Bulla, CS Eze, and VE G. Orubor, is set to proceed with investigations and trial proceedings.

Authorities said the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, where the accused will be required to respond to the charges.

The trial is expected to attract significant public attention given the high-profile nature of the accused and the sensitive security issues involved.