The Nigerian presidency has demanded a full-scale investigation into allegations that former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was involved in secretly monitoring the phone conversations of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
The controversy erupted after El-Rufai appeared on ARISE Television, where he spoke about his prior knowledge of an attempted arrest at Abuja International Airport.
During the interview, he disclosed that he and some associates had listened to Ribadu’s phone conversations after an unnamed individual allegedly intercepted the NSA’s line.
Although El-Rufai conceded that the act was “technically illegal,” he argued that such practices are commonplace.
According to him, governments routinely monitor calls without obtaining court authorisation. He further claimed that the intercepted conversations revealed that Ribadu had issued the order in question.
His remarks quickly drew a sharp response from the presidency.
Shortly after the interview aired, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, raised alarm over the national security implications of the admission.
Writing on his 𝕏 account, Onanuga questioned whether El-Rufai and his associates possess wiretapping capabilities and insisted that the matter must not be brushed aside.
He stressed that no individual, regardless of status, is above the law and called for a thorough probe, along with appropriate sanctions if wrongdoing is established.
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The development has sparked renewed debate over privacy, state surveillance, and accountability at the highest levels of government.