Breaking: FG Files Charges Against El-Rufai Over Alleged Interception of NSA Ribadu's Phone
- The Federal Government has formally charged former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai over allegations of unlawful phone interception involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu
- Court documents list three counts, citing breaches of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003
- The charges follow El-Rufai’s public statements on Arise TV, where he allegedly admitted knowledge of the interception and associated individuals
Legit.ng Journalist Muslim Muhammad Yusuf is a 2025 Wole Soyinka Award winner, with over 8 years of experience in investigative reporting, human rights, politics, governance, and accountability in Nigeria.
The Federal Government has formally filed charges against former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged unlawful interception of the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The charges followed comments El-Rufai reportedly made during an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme in Abuja on February 13, 2026.
Source: Twitter
Court documents, marked C2/99/2026 and dated February 16, 2026, list the Federal Republic of Nigeria as complainant and El-Rufai as defendant.
The prosecution alleges that El-Rufai admitted to involvement in, or knowledge of, the interception of the NSA’s communications and failed to report those responsible to the appropriate security agencies.
Three counts have been listed, citing breaches under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, which the government says compromised public safety and national security.
The three counts
The first count alleges that El-Rufai’s admission on television constitutes an offence under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
The second count claims he acknowledged knowing individuals who unlawfully intercepted the National Security Adviser’s phone communications but failed to report them to the appropriate authorities, in violation of Section 27(b) of the same law
The third count alleges that, alongside others still at large, El-Rufai used technical devices or systems in Abuja in 2026 to intercept the NSA’s communications, an action said to threaten public safety and national security, contrary to Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
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Ribadu reacts to El-Rufai's accusation of importing poison to Nigeria, sends message to DSS
The case is now before the courts as the legal process begins.
Source: Twitter
Ribadu Reacts to El-Rufai's Accusation
Legit.ng earlier reported that the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has directed Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State, to submit evidence of the alleged procurement of thallium sulphate to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation.
The ONSA responded to the opposition figure, firmly denying the allegation and urging him to present any evidence to the DSS for a thorough investigation.
In a reply by OM Adesuyi, a brigadier general, signing on behalf of Ribadu, the ONSA acknowledged receipt of El-Rufai’s correspondence and denied the allegation.
Ribadu: Onanuga seeks probe of tapping claim
Legit.ng earlier reported that Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on information and strategy, called for a thorough investigation into El-Rufai’s admission that he accessed an intercepted phone conversation involving Ribadu.
In a post on X, Onanuga described El-Rufai’s disclosure as a “confession” and questioned whether the former Kaduna governor and his unnamed “collaborators” possess wire-tapping facilities.
Source: Legit.ng
