The Federal Government has filed criminal charges against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai over alleged unlawful interception of the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The charge, marked C2/99/2026 and dated February 16, 2026, lists the Federal Republic of Nigeria as complainant and El-Rufai as defendant.
According to court documents, the prosecution claimed that on February 13, 2026, while appearing on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme in Abuja, El-Rufai allegedly admitted that he and others unlawfully intercepted Ribadu’s phone communications.
In count one, the government alleges that the purported admission constitutes an offence contrary to Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
Count two alleges that during the same interview, El-Rufai stated he knew and related with individuals who unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s phone but failed to report them to relevant security agencies, contrary to Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes Amendment Act, 2024.
The third count alleges that El-Rufai and others still at large used technical equipment or systems in Abuja in 2026 to unlawfully intercept the NSA’s phone communications, an act the prosecution said compromised public safety and national security, contrary to Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
Separately on Monday, El-Rufai arrived at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja to honour an invitation over corruption allegations linked to his tenure as governor.
The EFCC invitation, issued in December 2025, forms part of investigations into alleged financial misconduct during his administration, including claims involving about N432 billion. The probe is being conducted in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), before which he is also expected to appear on Wednesday, February 18.
His legal team had earlier informed the EFCC that he would report at 10 a.m., explaining that he was outside the country when the initial summons was issued.
Tension briefly flared outside the EFCC headquarters as pro- and anti-El-Rufai demonstrators confronted one another.
Security personnel reportedly restricted access to members of his entourage, while supporters gathered near the commission’s gate. One supporter alleged that security operatives used teargas to disperse pro-El-Rufai groups but allowed opposing demonstrators to assemble nearby.
Meanwhile, anti-El-Rufai protesters called on the EFCC to conduct what they described as a thorough and impartial investigation into corruption allegations linked to his tenure. Some referenced his recent claim that the NSA’s phone had been tapped.
The development comes days after security operatives reportedly attempted to arrest the former governor at an airport following his return from Egypt. His passport was later seized by the Department of State Services (DSS) in connection with separate investigations, including the 2019 disappearance of government critic Abubakar Idris, also known as Dadiyata.
El-Rufai has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, describing the investigations and charges against him as politically motivated.
Proceedings in the case are expected to begin in court in the coming days.
