THE Federal Government has instituted criminal proceedings against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations that he admitted to unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
News Point Nigeria reports that the three-count charge, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja and marked C2/99/2026, lists the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the complainant and El-Rufai as the sole defendant.
According to the charge sheet dated February 16, 2026, the prosecution alleges that on February 13, 2026, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme in Abuja, El-Rufai admitted that he and unnamed associates intercepted the communications of Ribadu after his phone had allegedly been tapped by a third party.
Count one accuses the former governor of committing an offence contrary to Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, by admitting to the unlawful interception of phone communications.
Count two alleges that El-Rufai acknowledged knowing individuals involved in the interception but failed to report them to relevant security agencies, contrary to Section 27(b) of the same Act.
The third count claims that El-Rufai and others still at large used technical equipment or systems in Abuja in 2026 to unlawfully intercept the NSA’s communications, allegedly compromising public safety and national security. This charge is said to contravene Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The Federal Government, through the Department of State Services, is prosecuting the case.
During the television interview, El-Rufai reportedly stated that he and others listened to conversations from Ribadu’s phone, acknowledging that such interception was technically unlawful but suggesting that illegal surveillance was not uncommon.
The remarks triggered swift legal action, with the government describing the admission as sufficient basis for prosecution under Nigeria’s cyber and communications laws.
The legal battle unfolded alongside a separate investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where El-Rufai appeared on Monday over alleged corruption during his tenure as governor.
His arrival at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja reportedly sparked tension as security operatives restricted members of his entourage from entering the premises.
Supporters gathered at a junction leading to the EFCC office, chanting slogans such as “El-Rufai is a citizen, not a subject” and “We stand with El-Rufai. We stand for law.” Some alleged that security operatives dispersed them with teargas while allowing anti-El-Rufai demonstrators to assemble nearby.
Opposing protesters carried placards reading, “El-Rufai cannot hide behind politics, let the law catch up” and “Answer the charge, El-Rufai.”
The former governor’s legal troubles follow an earlier airport incident. El-Rufai had travelled abroad on November 30, 2025. According to his media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, security agents attempted to arrest him upon arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport from Cairo, Egypt.
Adekeye alleged that officials attempted to detain the former governor without presenting a formal invitation and seized his passport during the encounter.
Speaking to BBC Hausa, El-Rufai described the incident as “executive overreach and a deliberate disregard for the rule of law.” He warned that he could be arrested at any moment and disclosed that some of his former aides had already been detained.
Investigations into El-Rufai’s tenure are reportedly ongoing, involving both the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. Sources indicate that a probe initiated by his successor, Uba Sani, is part of the broader scrutiny of the former governor’s administration.
El-Rufai, now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, has denied any wrongdoing.
He has consistently alleged that the actions against him amount to political persecution orchestrated by the Federal Government and elements within the ruling All Progressives Congress.