FG Drags El-Rufai to Court Over Alleged Tapping of NSA Ribadu’s Phone
The Federal Government has arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, over alleged unlawful interception of phone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
According to court documents, El-Rufai, 65, was charged in connection with statements he reportedly made during an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme on February 13, 2026. In the interview, he was alleged to have admitted involvement in the interception of the NSA’s phone communications and to having knowledge of individuals who carried out the act without reporting them to relevant security agencies.
The charges, filed under case number FHC/ABJ/ CR/99/2026, contain three counts.
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Count One alleges that El-Rufai admitted during the television programme 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 accuses him of stating that he was aware of individuals who unlawfully intercepted the same communications but failed to report them, allegedly violating Section 27(b) of the same Act.
Count Three alleges that he used technical systems capable of compromising public safety and national security, and of instilling apprehension among Nigerians, contrary to Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The prosecution is being led by a team of Federal Government lawyers, including ME Ernest, OM Owan, UM Bulla, CS Eze and VE G. Orubor.
Authorities said the matter falls within the jurisdiction of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, where the former governor is expected to take his plea and respond to the charges.
The case is anticipated to draw significant public attention due to the high-profile status of the defendant and the sensitive national security issues involved.
By PRNigeria
