By Deborah Nnamdi
The Presidency has called for a thorough investigation and possible prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over what it described as an open confession of illegal wire-tapping of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The call was made by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, in a post on his verified X handle, @aonanuga1956.
Onanuga said El-Rufai’s televised remarks suggested that he and unnamed collaborators might have access to wire-tapping facilities, warning that such a capability in private hands poses serious national security risks.
“El-Rufai confesses to wire-tapping Nigeria’s NSA on TV. Does it mean that he and his collaborators have wire-tapping facilities? This should be thoroughly investigated and punishment meted out. El-Rufai is not too big to face the wrath of the law,” the presidential spokesman wrote.
The Presidency’s reaction followed comments made by El-Rufai during an interview on Arise Television, where he was featured by anchor Mr Charles Aniagolu. In the interview, the former governor alleged that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission had “procured” the Department of State Services to “abduct” him.
El-Rufai further claimed that the ICPC had become “a personal tool” of the NSA, insisting that Ribadu “made the call and ordered” that he be arrested.
When asked how he knew Ribadu made such a call, El-Rufai responded that they had access to intercepted communications.
“He made the call, because we listen to their calls. The government thinks that they’re the only ones that listen to calls, but we also have our ways. He made the call, he gave the order,” he said.
Pressed further on whether that meant Ribadu’s phone was tapped, El-Rufai replied, “Someone tapped his phone.”
When reminded that wire-tapping is illegal without due process, the former governor acknowledged the legal implications but alleged that the government also engages in similar practices without court orders.
Onanuga maintained that the remarks amounted to a bold admission of unlawful surveillance and stressed that those involved must be held accountable if found culpable. He added that beyond the political undertones of El-Rufai’s claims, the more pressing concern was the security and legality of alleged private surveillance operations targeting top government officials.
