Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, dey face federal charges after e allegedly admit for live television say e intercept phone communication of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
According to court documents dated 16 February 2026, El-Rufai statement during interview on Arise TV on 13 February form basis of three-count charge sheet against am. Count One allege say e admit to unlawful phone tapping of the NSA, which fit violate Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024. Count Two claim say e no report other people wey allegedly carry out similar interception, while Count Three accuse am of using technical systems wey compromise public safety under Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
During the broadcast, El-Rufai talk say e overhear one conversation where the NSA allegedly order say make dem arrest am. According to am, “The NSA’s call to our calls too, and we heard him saying they should arrest me.”
The statement quickly spark reactions from political figures and the public. Some presidential aides and commentators call for proper investigation, while some civil society organisations urge authorities to take prompt action. One presidential aide write for social media say El-Rufai confess to wire-tapping Nigeria’s NSA on live TV.
Government lawyers M.E. Ernest, O.M. Owan, U.M. Bulla, C.S. Eze and E.G. Orubor file the charges, and the matter now dey before the Federal High Court in Abuja. It never clear when El-Rufai go appear in court, but members of him legal team say e ready to cooperate with lawful investigations.
