The Department of States Services has filed criminal charges against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai accusing him of unlawfully intercepting the telephone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The case was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, February 16, 2026, with the DSS citing three counts against El-Rufai.
Prosecutors allege that the former governor accessed and listened to private conversations involving the NSA, actions that violate the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act and constitute a serious breach of national security.
Authorities told the court that the alleged interception created public concern and had potential implications for Nigeria’s security infrastructure.
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Investigations are ongoing to identify any other individuals who may have collaborated in the alleged act.
The matter follows public statements made by El-Rufai, in which he claimed to have obtained a recording of a conversation involving Ribadu.
In those statements, he suggested that discussions had taken place about his possible arrest, a claim that drew scrutiny from political and security circles alike.
Legal analysts say the filing of formal charges marks the beginning of a high-profile legal process, noting the prominence of the individuals involved and the sensitive nature of national security communications.
No date has been announced for El-Rufai’s arraignment.