FG sues El-Rufai over NSA phone-tapping claims

The Federal Government has initiated legal proceedings against former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations that he unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Court filings dated February 16, 2026, show that El-Rufai will be arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a three-count charge.

“Count One: Admitting, during a February 13 appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme, that he and his associates unlawfully intercepted the communications of the NSA, contrary to Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024.

“Count Two: Knowing and associating with individuals involved in the unlawful interception without reporting them to security agencies, in violation of Section 27(b) of the same Act.

“Count Three: Using technical equipment or systems to compromise public safety and national security by intercepting the NSA’s communications, an offence under Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.”

The charges were filed by legal representatives of the Department of State Services, including M.E. Ernest, O.M. Owan, U.M. Bulla, C.S. Eze, and E.G. Orubor.

The matter is expected to come up for hearing in the coming days as the government moves forward with the prosecution.