Govt files three counts against El-Rufai for hacking NSA phone

The Federal Government has initiated legal proceedings against former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations that he unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu

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

The DSS alleged that El-Rufai committed the offence alongside other persons currently at large.

Court filings dated February 16, 2026, show that El-Rufai will be arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on three counts.

According to the prosecution, El-Rufai admitted his involvement while appearing on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on February 3.

“Count One read, “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 matter is expected to come up for hearing in the coming days.