Former Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai is facing federal charges after allegedly admitting on live television to intercepting the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
According to court documents dated 16 February 2026, El-Rufai’s remarks on Arise TV on 13 February form the basis of a three-count charge sheet. Count One cites him admitting to unlawfully tapping the NSA’s phone, potentially violating Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024. Count Two alleges he failed to report accomplices who conducted similar intercepts, while Count Three accuses him of using technical systems that compromised public safety under Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
During the broadcast, El-Rufai said he overheard a conversation in which the NSA allegedly ordered his arrest. “The NSA’s call to our calls too, and we heard him saying they should arrest me,” he told viewers.
The revelations sparked immediate reactions. Presidential aides and public figures have called for a formal investigation, while civil society organizations urged prompt action. One presidential aide wrote on social media: “El-Rufai confesses to wire-tapping Nigeria’s NSA on TV.”
The charges, filed by government lawyers ME Ernest, O.M. Owan, U.M. Bulla, C.S. Eze, and E.G. Orubor, are now before the Federal High Court in Abuja. It is not yet clear when El-Rufai will appear, though his legal team has said he will cooperate with lawful inquiries.
