Nasir El-Rufai faces three cybercrime charges in Abuja for allegedly intercepting NSA Nuhu Ribadu’s phone communications
Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, 65, has been formally charged in the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja Division, over allegations of unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
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El-Rufai appeared as a guest on Arise TV Station’s Prime Time Programme on February 13, 2026, where he reportedly admitted involvement in the alleged interception.
The prosecution, led by ME Ernest, Esq., O.M Owan, Esq., U.M Bulla, Esq., and C.S. Eze, PhD, acting for the Department of State Services, filed three counts against the former governor.
The first count alleges that El-Rufai unlawfully intercepted NSA Ribadu’s phone communications, contrary to Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024.
The second count states that El-Rufai knowingly associated with individuals who carried out similar interceptions without reporting them to relevant security agencies, in violation of Section 27(b) of the Act.
The third count alleges that El-Rufai, along with others still at large, used technical systems that compromised public safety and national security, creating reasonable apprehension among Nigerians, contrary to Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
Counsel for the prosecution confirmed that the charges are being served on the defendant, with the case scheduled for hearing before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court.
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No plea has yet been entered by El-Rufai, and the court is expected to set the next hearing date following service of the charges.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
