“FG TAKES EL-RUFAI TO COURT OVER ALLEGED PHONE TAPPING OF NSA RIBADU”
GREATRIBUNETVNEWS–THE Federal Government has filed criminal charges against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai for allegedly intercepting National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu’s phone communications.
Key Issues:
– _”That you, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, adult, male, on 13th February, 2026, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV Station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this court, did admit during the interview that you and your cohorts unlawfully intercepted the Phone Communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu…”_ – Count One of the charge
– Unlawful Interception : El-Rufai allegedly admitted to intercepting Ribadu’s phone communications, compromising public safety and national security.
– _”That you, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, adult, male, and other still at large, sometime in 2026, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this court, with others still at large did use technical equipment or systems which compromised public safety, national security…”_ – Count Three of the charge
– Failure to Report : El-Rufai allegedly knew individuals involved in the unlawful interception but failed to report them to security agencies.
– _”The Federal Government has formally charged Nasir El-Rufai over allegations of unlawful phone interception involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.”_
In count one, prosecutors alleged that el-Rufai, during an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on February 13, 2026, admitted to unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of the NSA.
The offence is said to be punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
Count two accused him of acknowledging knowledge of another individual involved in the alleged interception but failing to report the person to security agencies, an offence also linked to provisions of the Cybercrimes Act.
In count three, the prosecution further alleged that el-Rufai and others still at large used technical equipment or systems that compromised public safety and national security by intercepting Ribadu’s communications.
This charge was filed under Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
The charge sheet, dated February 16, 2026, indicated that counsel from the Department of State Services are leading the prosecution.
No hearing date was immediately stated on the document
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