DSS drags El-Rufai to court over Ribadu phone interception

The federal government is set to arraign former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

According to court documents filed on February 16, 2026, El-Rufai is facing three counts.

“Count One: Admitting, during a February 13 appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme, that he and his associates unlawfully intercepted the communications of the NSA, contrary to Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024.

“Count Two: Knowing and associating with individuals involved in the unlawful interception without reporting them to security agencies, in violation of Section 27(b) of the same Act.

“Count Three: Using technical equipment or systems to compromise public safety and national security by intercepting the NSA’s communications, an offence under Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.”

The charges were filed by counsel to the Department of State Services, including M.E. Ernest, O.M. Owan, U.M. Bulla, C.S. Eze, and E.G. Orubor.

The Federal High Court is expected to hear the case in the coming days, as the government moves to prosecute El-Rufai.