In a significant legal move, the Federal Government of Nigeria has charged former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai for his alleged involvement in intercepting the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. These charges were officially filed under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026 at the Federal High Court in the Abuja Judicial Division. The prosecution's claims stem from a public admission made by El-Rufai during a February 2026 appearance on Arise TV's Prime Time programme, where he asserted that he and others were responsible for unlawfully intercepting Ribadu's communications.

According to the court documents, the high-profile nature of the case has raised eyebrows, particularly due to its implications regarding national security and the legal bounds of political rivalry in Nigeria. The first count of the charge cites El-Rufai’s admission as a violation of Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, emphasizing the seriousness of the offence. The second count alleges that El-Rufai interacted with individuals involved in these illegal activities but failed to report them, highlighting potential complicity and raising questions about accountability among political figures.

This case could set a precedent for how cybercrime is prosecuted in Nigeria, especially among those in political positions. It underscores ongoing concerns about the misuse of technology for political gains, as well as the challenges faced by the Nigerian government in enforcing its cybercrime laws effectively. Should El-Rufai be found guilty, the repercussions could extend beyond his individual case, influencing the manner in which cyber-related offenses are addressed across the country, especially as Nigeria continues to grapple with issues surrounding security and governance.