The Federal Government has filed a three-count criminal charge against former Kaduna State Governor and ex-Minister of the FCT, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, over the alleged interception and tapping of communications belonging to Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The charge was filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, February 13, 2026, by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF). It stems from petitions and intelligence reports accusing El-Rufai of illegally accessing or directing the interception of the NSA’s phone conversations and other communications during his time in office and after.
Details of the Three-Count Charge
1.Unlawful interception of communication contrary to Section 13 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
2.Conspiracy to commit felony (interception of electronic communication) contrary to Section 27 of the same Act.
3.Misuse of office / abuse of power under relevant provisions of the Penal Code and Public Service Rules.
The prosecution alleges that El-Rufai, while serving in sensitive positions and even after leaving office, orchestrated or benefited from the tapping of Ribadu’s calls to monitor national security discussions and possibly gain political advantage.
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The allegation first surfaced publicly in late 2025 when leaked audio clips allegedly involving the NSA began circulating in political circles.
El-Rufai has repeatedly denied the claims, describing them as “fabricated” and part of a “smear campaign” to silence his criticism of the Tinubu administration.
His legal team has already described the charge as “politically motivated, baseless and an abuse of judicial process,” vowing to file preliminary objections and seek dismissal.
The development adds to the growing list of legal battles involving prominent opposition figures and former APC stalwarts ahead of 2027.
El-Rufai recently defected from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and has been vocal in his opposition to the Tinubu government’s policies.
This is a developing story.
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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