Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is facing intense criticism following his claim that the phone of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, was bugged.
Naija News reports that some presidential aides have called for a formal investigation into the former governor’s remarks, insisting that such an admission, made on national television, raises serious security concerns that cannot be ignored.
El-Rufai made the revelation on Friday during an interview on Arise TV. In the course of the discussion, he alleged that he became aware of a plan to arrest him upon his return to Nigeria through information obtained from a leaked conversation originating from the NSA’s phone.
“Ribadu made the call because we listened 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 that they should arrest me.
“That technically is illegal. I know, but the government does it all the time. They listen to our calls all the time without a court order. But someone tapped his phone and told us that he gave the order,” he said.
The comments have triggered debate within political and security circles, with analysts warning that if the claim is substantiated, it could amount to a grave breach of national security procedures. Observers also note that the controversy may heighten political tensions as the country gradually approaches the 2027 general elections.
Onanuga: ‘He Is Not Too Big to Face the Law’
Responding via his 𝕏 handle on Friday night, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, called for a comprehensive probe into the matter.
“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,” he wrote.
In a similar reaction, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, described the disclosure as disturbing and deserving of scrutiny.
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“El-Rufai admitted on national television that someone tapped the phone of the NSA for him to listen to his conversation. When Charles Aniagolu, the interviewer, interjected that that was an illegal action, El-Rufai agreed to the illegality. By the time he is picked up to produce the person who illegally tapped the NSA’s phone, he would say President Tinubu is a ‘tyrant’ and persecuting him,” Ajayi posted.
As reactions continue to trail the interview, attention is now focused on whether security agencies will initiate a formal inquiry into the claims and determine the veracity and implications of the alleged interception.
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