FG Arraigns El-Rufai Over Alleged Phone Tapping

By Tgnews Reporter

The Federal Government has filed a three-count criminal charge against former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing him of involvement in the unlawful interception of phone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

The charges, marked TABU/DET/CR/99/2026 (with variations noted in some reports as FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026 or similar), stem from statements El-Rufai, aged 65, made during a live appearance as a guest on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on February 13, 2026.

In the interview, he reportedly admitted that “someone” in his circle had intercepted Ribadu’s phone calls, which allegedly revealed plans for his abduction or arrest by security operatives. El-Rufai described the act as technically illegal but suggested it mirrored practices by authorities.

Count One alleges that El-Rufai admitted during the broadcast that he and his associates unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s phone communications, an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

Count Two claims that he stated knowing and relating with individuals who carried out the interception but failed to report them to relevant security agencies, in violation of Section 27(b) of the same Cybercrimes Amendment Act, 2024.

Count Three accuses El-Rufai and others still at large of using technical equipment or systems that compromised public safety, national security, and instilled reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians through the unlawful interception to which he admitted on air contrary to Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

The prosecution team, comprising Federal Government lawyers including ME Ernest, OM Owan, UM Bulla, CS Eze, and VE G. Orubor, filed the charges on February 16, 2026.

The case falls under the jurisdiction of the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, where El-Rufai is expected to appear, take his plea, and respond to the allegations as proceedings commence.

The development follows swiftly after the Presidency, through spokespersons, demanded a probe into El-Rufai’s remarks, which raised concerns about potential access to unauthorised wire-tapping capabilities.

The matter has drawn widespread attention due to the high-profile figures involved El-Rufai, a prominent opposition voice and former minister, and Ribadu, a key security official and the sensitive nature of national security and cybercrime allegations.

No plea has been taken yet, and the trial is anticipated to generate significant public and media interest amid ongoing political tensions. El-Rufai has not issued a public response to the charges as of this report.