FG Charges El-Rufai for Alleged Phone Interception

The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated legal proceedings against Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, for allegedly intercepting the phone conversations of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The charges were filed under case mark C2/99/2026 on February 16, 2026.

According to court documents, El-Rufai admitted to unlawfully intercepting phone communications during an appearance on Arise TV's prime time program on February 13, 2026. The first count alleges that El-Rufai's actions contravened Section 12(1) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024.

The second count states that he failed to report the unlawful interception to relevant security agencies, violating Section 27(b) of the same act. The third count accuses him of using technical equipment to unlawfully intercept Ribadu's communications, compromising public safety and national security, contrary to Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.