\n\nThe political scene in Nigeria is heating up as former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai finds himself at the centre of a major national controversy after boldly claiming he had overheard and intercepted private phone conversations of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu — a claim that has sparked outrage, legal action and serious security concerns across the country.
According to reports, the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday, February 16, 2026, filed a three-count criminal charge against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The charges accuse him of unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of the NSA, failing to report knowledge of such interception, and using technical systems in a way that threatened public safety and national security.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, centres on comments El-Rufai made during a television interview on 13 February 2026. On that day, while appearing as a guest on a popular TV programme in Abuja, El-Rufai said he became aware of an alleged plan to arrest him after listening to what he claimed were intercepted phone calls involving the NSA.
According to court documents, the prosecution says that during the interview, El-Rufai admitted that he and others unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s communications — an act prosecutors say violates the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
The charges also say El-Rufai knew individuals who carried out the interception and failed to report them to relevant security agencies, which is another offence under the same cybercrime law. A third count alleges that El-Rufai and others “still at large” used technical systems that compromised national security, violating the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The allegations have stirred widespread public debate, with many Nigerians expressing concern about the security of high-level government communications and what such claims could mean for national stability. Some commentators have called for a full and fair investigation, while others say the matter raises serious questions about legality and public trust in leaders.
Political observers note that this is not the first time El-Rufai has courted controversy. Throughout his long career, he has been known for speaking his mind and challenging powerful figures. Supporters say he is outspoken and uncompromising, while critics say his comments often escalate conflict. One senior observer once pointed out El-Rufai’s refusal to accept bribes even early in his career, saying he turned down a large sum of money from a powerful southern governor, highlighting a history of standing firm on his choices. (As reported by TVC News 6:10).
The DSS and Federal Government have indicated that the matter will be dealt with according to the law, and no date has yet been announced for El-Rufai to appear in court to answer the three-count charge.
