The Presidency has called for a full investigation into remarks by Nasir El-Rufai, former Kaduna State governor, alleging that the phone of Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, was tapped and monitored.
El-Rufai made the claim during an interview on Arise TV, where he said he and unnamed individuals listened to conversations from Ribadu’s phone after it had been intercepted by a third party. He acknowledged that such surveillance is illegal but suggested it is commonplace. “The government does it all the time. They listen to our calls without a court order. But someone tapped his phone and told us that he gave the order,” he said.
The comments drew an immediate response from Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, who described the allegation as serious and potentially dangerous.
In a statement issued Friday, Onanuga questioned whether El-Rufai and his associates possess wiretapping capabilities. “Nasir El-Rufai has confessed to wiretapping Nigeria’s National Security Adviser on TV. Does it mean that he and his collaborators have wiretapping facilities?” he asked.
He said the federal government expects security agencies to verify the claim, determine its authenticity, and establish whether any laws were broken. “This should be thoroughly investigated, and punishment meted out. Nasir El-Rufai is not too big to face the wrath of the law,” Onanuga added.
The controversy has reignited public debate over surveillance practices, privacy rights, and the limits of intelligence gathering in Nigeria. Legal analysts note that if formally pursued, the case could test both the legality of security operations and the accountability of high-profile political figures.
As of press time, El-Rufai has not issued further clarification beyond his television comments. Security agencies have also not confirmed whether a formal investigation has commenced.
