The Federal Government of Nigeria has filed a three-count criminal charge against ex-Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, at the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged unlawful interception of phone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Court filings marked under reference number C2/99/2026 list the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the complainant and El-Rufai as the sole defendant. The charges stem directly from his public remarks during an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on February 13, 2026, where he reportedly stated that intercepted phone conversations revealed plans to arrest him.
Authorities allege that beyond possessing knowledge of the interception, he also failed to report those responsible. 
According to the charge sheet and supporting reports from multiple Nigerian media outlets, the Federal Government is prosecuting El-Rufai under provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
Details shortly…
