Breaking: Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai Faces Cybercrime Charges Over Alleged Interception of NSA Nuhu Ribadu's Phone Communications

Nasir El-Rufai 

In a dramatic escalation of political and legal tensions in Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a three-count criminal charge against Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, accuses the 65-year-old politician of unlawfully intercepting — or being involved in the interception of — private phone communications belonging to Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria's National Security Adviser (NSA).

The charges stem directly from statements El-Rufai made during a live interview on Arise TV's Prime Time programme on February 13, 2026. In the broadcast, El-Rufai claimed that he and associates had access to intercepted calls from Ribadu, including one where the NSA allegedly directed security operatives to detain him upon arrival at the airport. He reportedly said something along the lines of: "Someone tapped his phone, and I was informed," while accusing the government of similar practices without court orders.

This bold on-air admission has now become the cornerstone of the prosecution's case.

The Three Counts Explained

The charge sheet, dated February 16, 2026, and signed by DSS counsel including M.E. Ernest, Esq., outlines the following allegations:

Count One — That on February 13, 2026, during the Arise TV interview in Abuja, El-Rufai admitted that he and his "cohorts" unlawfully intercepted Ribadu's phone communications. This is said to violate Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

Count Two — That in the same interview, El-Rufai stated he knew and associated with individuals who carried out the interception but failed to report them to relevant security agencies. This breaches Section 27(b) of the same Cybercrimes Amendment Act, 2024.

Count Three — That El-Rufai, along with others still at large, sometime in 2026 in Abuja, used technical equipment or systems to unlawfully intercept Ribadu's communications. This act allegedly compromised public safety, national security, and instilled fear of insecurity among Nigerians — an offence contrary to Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

If convicted, El-Rufai could face significant prison time, with some reports suggesting penalties up to several years (including a possible two-year term referenced in media coverage for related cybercrime offences).