BREAKING: Tinubu govt to arraign Nasir El-Rufai for tapping NSA Ribadu’s phone

The Nigerian Government is set to arraign former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, at the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

Court documents filed on 16 February 2026 outline three counts against El-Rufai:

Admitting to unlawful interception – During a 13 February appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme, El-Rufai allegedly admitted that he and his associates intercepted the communications of the NSA, contrary to Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

Failure to report accomplices – He is accused of knowing individuals involved in the unlawful interception and failing to report them to security agencies, in violation of Section 27(b) of the same Act.

Compromising public safety and national security – Using technical equipment or systems to intercept the NSA’s communications, an offence under Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

The charges were filed by counsel representing the Department of State Services (DSS), including M.E. Ernest, O.M. Owan, U.M. Bulla, C.S. Eze, and E.G. Orubor.

The Federal High Court is expected to begin hearing the case in the coming days as the government proceeds with prosecution.