Prosper Okoye
The Federal Government has initiated legal proceedings against Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, on three counts related to the alleged interception of communications belonging to Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
Allegations of Unlawful Surveillance
El-Rufai’s legal troubles began after he made controversial claims during an interview last week, where he stated that he, along with unnamed individuals, had listened to conversations from Ribadu’s phone, purportedly after it was tapped by a third party. While he acknowledged that such interception is technically illegal, El-Rufai argued that illegal surveillance is not uncommon in the current political climate.
Legal Action by the Department of State Services
In response to these allegations, the Department of State Services (DSS) arraigned El-Rufai before the Federal High Court in Abuja. According to a charge sheet obtained on Monday, the government asserts that El-Rufai admitted to the unlawful interception of the NSA’s communications during the interview.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe charge sheet states: “That you, Malla Nasir El-Rufai, adult male, on 13th February 2026, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this court, did admit during the interview that you and your cohorts unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 12 (1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.”
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Implications of the Case
This legal action raises serious questions about the implications of surveillance and the sanctity of communications within Nigeria’s political framework. As the case unfolds, it will likely attract significant attention, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding privacy and security in the nation.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
