FG Files Charges Against El-Rufai Over Alleged Phone Interception of NSA Ribadu

The Nigerian Government is set to arraign former KadunaState Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai before the Federal High Court in Abujaover allegations of unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of theNational Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. According to court documents filed on February 16, 2026,El-Rufai is facing three counts. “Count One: Admitting, during a February 13 appearance onArise TV’s Prime Time Programme, that he and his associates unlawfullyintercepted the communications of the NSA, contrary to Section 12(1) of theCybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024. “Count Two: Knowing and associating with individualsinvolved in the unlawful interception without reporting them to securityagencies, in violation of Section 27(b) of the same Act. “Count Three: Using technical equipment or systems tocompromise public safety and national security by intercepting the NSA’scommunications, an offence under Section 131(2) of the Nigerian CommunicationsAct 2003.” The charges were filed by counsel to the Department of StateServices, including M.E. Ernest, O.M. Owan, U.M. Bulla, C.S. Eze, and E.G.Orubor. The Federal High Court is expected to hear the case in thecoming days, as the government moves to prosecute El-Rufai.

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