The Federal Government has entered a three-count charge against the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, alleging that he unlawfully intercepted the phone communication of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
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The charge, marked C2/99/2026 and dated February 16, 2026, was lodged before the Federal High Court in Abuja through the Department of State Services (DSS), listing 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 as a guest on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme in Abuja, El-Rufai admitted that he and others unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The Federal Government told the court that the defendant had admitted his complicity in the crime during the television appearance.
Count One: The Federal Government alleges that the admission amounts to an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
Count Two: El-Rufai stated during the same interview that he knew and related with individuals who unlawfully intercepted Ribadu’s phone communications but failed to report them to relevant security agencies, contrary to Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes Amendment Act, 2024.
Count Three: El-Rufai and others still at large, sometime in 2026 in Abuja, used technical equipment or systems to unlawfully intercept the National Security Adviser’s phone communications, an act said to have compromised public safety and national security, contrary to Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
It was further alleged that by using technical equipment to intercept the NSA’s calls, the defendants endangered public safety and national security, and instilled “reasonable apprehension” among Nigerians.
El-Rufai Admitted On Arise TV That He Unlawfully Intercepted NSA Ribadu's Phone Communications1Meanwhile, El-Rufai arrived at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja on Monday, February 16, 2026, honouring the invitation of the anti-graft agency as his counsel had stated after the botched attempt to arrest him at Abuja airport on Thursday.
A group of protesters stormed the EFCC headquarters in Abuja ahead of the arrival of the former governor. While some of the protesters demonstrated in favour of the former governor, others asked the anti-graft agency to “grill him well.”
There was mild drama when some of the persons who accompanied El-Rufai were prevented from entering the commission’s office in Jabi, Abuja.
El-Rufai’s supporters were tear-gassed at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja. One of the supporters accused the EFCC of stopping their supporters at the EFCC headquarters junction with teargas while allowing anti-El-Rufai protesters to gather close to the headquarters.
Ubong Esop Akpan, counsel to the former governor, had earlier stated that the EFCC invitation was received while El-Rufai was overseas.
“The invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was delivered to Malam El-Rufai’s residence while he was already abroad, rendering it inherently illogical and impractical to demand immediate attendance to answer purported allegations. Such an approach defies reason, as it presumes instantaneous compliance from an individual outside the jurisdiction, without regard for logistical realities or legal fairness.
“In response, we formally communicated with the EFCC on his behalf since December 2025, assuring compliance upon his return. Yesterday, we explicitly notified them that he would voluntarily appear at their office by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, specifying the precise place and time for addressing the invitation. Resorting to arrest despite this clear commitment exemplifies arbitrary conduct and undermines procedural integrity,” the counsel stated.
The counsel said there was no basis for the attempted arrest at the airport, which “infringes upon key constitutional provisions guaranteeing fundamental freedoms.”
“There exists no justifiable basis for this attempted arrest or the accompanying mistreatment. Despite prior intelligence of plans to effect this arrest, Malam El-Rufai proceeded with his return following medical treatment and rest abroad, publicly affirming his commitment to face any legitimate inquiry. This premeditated interception at the airport exemplifies lawlessness and an abuse of state power.
“We demand the immediate and unconditional cessation of all unlawful efforts to detain Malam El-Rufai, the immediate return of his stolen passport, and a formal apology for this egregious infringement on his dignity and rights,” Akpan stated.
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