The Federal Government has charged former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufa’i, before the Federal High Court (FCT) in Abuja over the alleged unlawful interception of phone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu RibaÉ—u.
Court documents indicated that el-Rufa’i, who is currently a guest o the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) appeared as a guest on a television programme on February 13, 2026, where he reportedly admitted involvement in the interception and acknowledged knowing those who carried out the act without reporting them to security agencies.
The charges, filed under reference number: TABU DET CR/99/2026, contain three counts.
Count-1 alleges that el-Rufa’i admitted during the television interview that he and his associates unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, contrary to Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
Count-2 accuses him of stating that he knew individuals who unlawfully intercepted the same communications but failed to report them, in violation of Section 27(b) of the same Act, while Count-3 alleges that he used technical systems to compromise public safety and national security and instilled apprehension among Nigerians, contrary to Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The case was filed by a team of Federal Government lawyers led by M.E Ernest, OM Owan, U.M Bulla, CS Eze and VE G. Orubor. Authorities said the matter falls within the jurisdiction of the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, where the former governor is expected to respond to the charges.
Meanwhile, el-Rufa’i’s supporters and opponents gathered at the EFCC headquarters, Jabi, in the FCT, as he arrived for questioning. The groups held opposing demands – some expressing support, while others called for a thorough investigation – resulting in heightened tension. The situation became unruly, prompting government security forces to deploy tear gas to disperse the crowd.
As of the time of filing, the court had not scheduled el-Rufa’i’s arraignment.
The charges come amid rising tensions surrounding the former governor, who has in recent weeks been publicly critical of the Federal Government, which maintains that such acts, if proven, undermine national security and public trust, reinforcing its commitment to enforcing the Cybercrimes Act and related legislation.
