Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is facing mounting political and legal pressure after claiming on national television that the phone of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, was tapped—an admission that has sparked warnings of a potential national security breach.

Appearing on Arise TV on Friday, El-Rufai alleged that he learned of plans to arrest him through a conversation intercepted from Ribadu’s phone.

“Ribadu made the call because we listened to their calls,” El-Rufai said during the interview. “The government thinks they’re the only ones that listen to calls. But we also have our ways.”

When reminded that such interception would be illegal, he replied: “I know, but the government does it all the time.”

The remarks detonated across political and security circles, with presidential aides and former officials demanding an investigation—and possible prosecution.

Presidency Signals Probe

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga publicly questioned whether El-Rufai and his associates possess wiretapping capabilities.

“El-Rufai has confessed 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,” Onanuga wrote on X.

Another presidential aide, Temitope Ajayi, said El-Rufai may be required to identify whoever allegedly carried out the interception, warning that the former governor could frame any probe as political persecution.

Ajayi also defended the government’s authority to conduct lawful surveillance for national security, arguing that such powers are restricted to the state, not private individuals.

“Extremely Grave” – Security Experts Warn

Retired intelligence officials described the claim as potentially explosive.

A former Director of the Department of State Services, Abdulrasaq Salami, called the alleged interception “extremely grave,” warning that tapping the NSA’s phone could expose operational plans, intelligence sources and crisis-response strategies.

“This is not an ordinary political scandal,” Salami said. “Intercepting the communications of the National Security Adviser potentially exposes operational plans, sources and methods.”

A retired senior military intelligence officer, speaking anonymously, warned that the implications could extend beyond Nigeria’s borders, potentially disrupting intelligence-sharing partnerships with countries such as the United States.

“Once a senior official’s communications are compromised, allies may pause intelligence sharing until they are satisfied that channels are secure,” the officer said.

Legal Ramifications

Constitutional lawyer AbdulAzeez Rahman noted that Section 37 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution guarantees the privacy of citizens’ communications, while the Nigerian Communications Act and Cybercrime Act criminalise unlawful interception unless authorised by a court.

“Any person who, without lawful authority, intercepts communication commits an offence and is liable on conviction,” Rahman said, adding that unlawfully obtained evidence may be inadmissible in court.

Security analyst Kabiru Adamu said while interception technology exists, it is typically restricted to governments and high-level intelligence actors.

“The technology is available, but it’s highly sophisticated and tightly controlled,” he said. “If confirmed, this would warrant investigation.”

Political Undercurrents Ahead of 2027

The controversy unfolds against rising political tension ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.

Since his ministerial nomination was rejected by the Senate, El-Rufai has emerged as a vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He recently left the ruling All Progressives Congress and has accused security agencies of targeting him.

His airport confrontation this week—during which security operatives briefly restrained him and reportedly confiscated his passport—further intensified the drama.

Analysts warn that any move to summon or prosecute El-Rufai could deepen political polarisation.

“If he’s invited, it will be perceived as political persecution, irrespective of the facts,” Adamu said.

Ganduje Enters the Fray

The controversy widened after El-Rufai linked former Kano governor Abdullahi Ganduje to the disappearance of Kaduna-based activist Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata.

Ganduje’s camp dismissed the claim as “reckless and unfounded,” insisting that responsibility for security in Kaduna at the time lay with El-Rufai’s administration and federal agencies.

A National Security Flashpoint

At its core, analysts say the issue goes beyond partisan rivalry.

If El-Rufai’s statement is accurate, it raises urgent questions about unauthorised surveillance capabilities in Nigeria. If inaccurate, it could still amount to a public admission of involvement in—or knowledge of—an unlawful act.

Either way, what began as a televised political allegation has escalated into a high-stakes national security controversy—one that could reshape alliances and deepen fractures as Nigeria edges toward another election cycle.

The coming weeks may determine whether this episode becomes a legal battle, a political showdown—or both.

A coalition of concerned citizens under the banner Kaduna Is Awake has formally petitioned Nigeria’s top anti-graft and security agencies, demanding a sweeping, independent investigation into the eight-year tenure of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The open public petition, addressed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS), alleges a pattern of governance marked by suppression of dissent, controversial demolitions, questionable security expenditures and financial opacity between May 29, 2015 and May 29, 2023.

Signed by Nasiru Jagaba on behalf of the coalition, the petition insists that “no individual is above the law” and calls for a forensic audit of public funds, including approximately $350 million in World Bank loans secured during the administration.

Disappearances and Detentions

Central to the petition is the unresolved disappearance of Abubakar Idris, widely known as Dadiyata, who went missing in August 2019 after openly criticizing the state government. Despite sustained advocacy from civil society groups, his whereabouts remain unknown.

The coalition also highlighted the detention and subsequent death of Dr. Ishaku Damina, Chief of Kurama, who was reportedly held for months without trial and allegedly denied adequate medical care before dying shortly after release.

“These cases raise serious constitutional concerns,” the petition states, referencing Section 35 of Nigeria’s Constitution on personal liberty.

Southern Kaduna Killings and Chiefdom Restructuring

The petition revisits the 2018 abduction and killing of the Agom Adara, Maiwada Raphael Galadima, and the subsequent restructuring of the Adara Chiefdom. It questions the detention of Adara elders and the broader security situation in Southern Kaduna, where numerous residents reportedly lost their lives between 2016 and 2021.

The coalition argues that the adequacy of the state’s response to violent attacks remains an open question deserving independent scrutiny.

Arrests of Critics and Journalists

A significant portion of the petition alleges misuse of state machinery to silence dissent.

It references the arrests of activists and journalists, including Audu Maikori, Steven Kefas, Luka Binniyat and Dr. John Danfulani, as well as political rivals such as Senator Shehu Sani and Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, whose property was demolished during a political rift.

The petition contends that such actions may have infringed constitutional protections of freedom of expression under Section 39.

Demolitions and Economic Displacement

Urban renewal policies carried out during the administration led to widespread demolitions of homes, markets and businesses. While the government framed the moves as development-driven reforms, many affected residents alleged inadequate compensation and economic hardship.

Development initiatives, the coalition argues, must comply with due process and social justice standards.

Security Payments and Controversial Statements

The petition also cites public remarks by El-Rufai in 2016 acknowledging negotiations and payments to armed actors to prevent reprisals, arguing that such admissions raise constitutional and jurisdictional concerns regarding executive authority and public funds.

It further references controversial public statements attributed to El-Rufai and his son, Bello El-Rufai, which drew national backlash at the time.

$350 Million World Bank Loan Under Scrutiny

Financial accountability features prominently in the petition. Kaduna State secured approximately $350 million in World Bank loans during the administration. In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly initiated a probe into alleged irregularities tied to the previous government.

The coalition now demands a comprehensive forensic audit, noting that citizens continue to shoulder repayment obligations.

Call for Federal Investigation

Invoking Sections 14(2)(b), 35 and 39 of the Constitution, the petition urges anti-graft and security agencies to:

• Invite and question the former governor
• Conduct a forensic audit of loans and reform funds
• Investigate allegations of unlawful detention and abuse of office
• Prosecute where evidence establishes culpability

As of the time of filing this report, El-Rufai has not publicly responded to the petition.

The development sets the stage for a potential political and legal showdown, as calls for accountability collide with ongoing debates over governance, security and civil liberties in one of Nigeria’s most politically consequential states.

A convicted Nigerian drug kingpin serving a five-year prison sentence allegedly attempted to orchestrate a fresh cocaine export to the United Kingdom—from behind bars.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has foiled a scheme by Olashupo Michael Oladimeji, currently incarcerated at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre in Lagos, to smuggle 1.10 kilograms of cocaine to London.

According to a statement released Sunday by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, operatives intercepted the drug consignment at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos.

The cocaine—compressed into blocks—was concealed inside processed cassava granules, locally known as garri, and packed into a carton for shipment on a Virgin Atlantic flight bound for the United Kingdom.

Authorities arrested Adedeji Yusuf Gbolahan, a staff member of Oladimeji’s logistics firm, Dimeji Express Logistics, after he presented the consignment for export.

Allegedly Directed From Prison

Oladimeji is currently serving a five-year sentence following his 2025 conviction by a Federal High Court in Lagos in connection with a 17.90kg cocaine export conspiracy case (Charge No. FHC/L/925C/2025).

Despite his incarceration, investigators say he initiated the latest trafficking plot from prison, directing his employee to retrieve the cocaine consignment from a location in Oshodi, Lagos.

“Not ready to give up on his criminal enterprise,” the NDLEA said, the convict allegedly used his company as a front to continue international drug trafficking operations.

The scheme was uncovered on February 12 when NDLEA officers conducting export checks at the Lagos airport flagged the suspicious shipment.

The interception raises broader questions about how convicted narcotics traffickers may continue to coordinate illicit operations while in custody.

Separate Crackdown in India: Nigerian National Arrested Again

In a separate but related development underscoring transnational narcotics concerns, authorities in India announced the arrest of a Nigerian national accused of resuming drug distribution after securing bail in an earlier case.

Police in Mangaluru City arrested 36-year-old Peter Ikedi Belonwu on allegations that he restarted MDMA supply operations in Karnataka after his release from judicial custody.

According to local media reports, Belonwu allegedly sourced MDMA from Bengaluru and supplied it to dealers and students in Mangaluru and neighboring Kasaragod.

Acting on intelligence inputs, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) conducted a targeted operation leading to his arrest on February 15, 2026.

At the time of arrest, officers reportedly seized a substantial quantity of MDMA and other materials described as incriminating.

Investigators allege that Belonwu frequently changed locations and used multiple mobile phone numbers to evade detection.

Authorities say he had previously been arrested in October 2024 when approximately 6 kilograms of MDMA—valued at roughly ₹6 crore—was seized in Bengaluru. Records also show an earlier 2023 arrest in connection with drug trafficking cases.

Indian law enforcement officials described the arrest as part of intensified enforcement efforts targeting organized narcotics networks and repeat offenders.

Growing Focus on Repeat Offenders

Both cases highlight what enforcement agencies describe as a persistent challenge: repeat offenders allegedly re-engaging in narcotics trafficking despite convictions, incarceration or bail conditions.

The NDLEA has not indicated whether additional prison officials or external collaborators are under investigation in the Lagos case.

Authorities in both Nigeria and India have reiterated commitments to dismantling organized drug networks operating across borders, particularly those targeting international markets and young consumers.

Investigations in both cases are ongoing.

From February 25, 2026, a significant change in British border control will take effect, directly impacting thousands of dual British nationals living and travelling abroad. The UK Home Office has announced that, under new rules, dual citizens will no longer be able to enter the UK using only a non-British passport. Instead, they must present either a valid British passport or a certificate of entitlement to prove their status at the point of entry. This move, part of a wider overhaul of the nation’s immigration system, has already sparked widespread concern and confusion among affected citizens, particularly those residing in Europe.

According to reports from The Guardian and News18, the new policy is tied to the Home Office’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme. While British and Irish citizens are exempt from needing an ETA, all other travellers to the UK—including short-term visitors from visa-free countries—will be required to obtain prior permission before travel. For these visitors, the ETA costs £16. But for dual British nationals, the stakes are far higher: they must now either travel with a valid British passport or pay a hefty £589 fee for a certificate of entitlement, which is attached to their other nationality passport.

The Home Office’s statement on the matter was clear: “From 25 February 2026, all dual British citizens will need to present either a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement to avoid delays at the border.” The department emphasized that this change is part of a broader digitisation programme aimed at creating a “seamless travel experience” while also enhancing the government’s ability to prevent threats and maintain a comprehensive picture of immigration patterns.

Previously, many dual nationals—especially those holding EU passports—were able to travel to the UK without issue, as British citizenship could be verified upon arrival. Under the new system, however, airlines, ferries, and train operators are required to verify travel permission before departure. Without the required documents, carriers may refuse boarding altogether. This means that for the first time, dual nationals traveling on a non-British passport must proactively prove their British status before even setting foot on UK-bound transport.

The financial implications have not gone unnoticed. Obtaining a new British passport costs approximately £94.50, a sum that can quickly add up for families needing to maintain multiple passports. The alternative—applying for a certificate of entitlement—comes with a price tag of £589, and overseas applications can be even higher. Many British citizens living abroad have criticized the certificate as prohibitively expensive, particularly for those with children or large families. As one British woman living in Germany told The Guardian, “Keeping up two passports for a family is an expensive ‘luxury’ that not everyone can afford.” She expressed frustration at being “treated as Brexit collateral once again with this short-notice, shortsighted, arbitrary change of the rules.”

Communication, or the lack thereof, has been another major point of contention. Numerous dual nationals have reported that the Home Office did not clearly communicate the new requirements, leaving them scrambling to comply before the deadline. A dual national born and educated in London, now traveling frequently for work, explained his predicament: he had booked a flight for a work trip and only later discovered that he may be stranded upon his return. “I found myself having to travel at short notice and am now facing the idea that I may not be allowed back into the country,” he said.

There are also unique legal challenges for dual nationals residing in certain countries. In Spain, for example, individuals who naturalise are required to renounce their previous citizenships. Presenting a British passport at the airport could, therefore, jeopardize their Spanish nationality. As Julie, a British woman living in Spain for over 30 years, explained, “It seems a strange anomaly that while the UK is willing to recognise dual nationality, it refuses to recognise that a valid EU passport held by a UK citizen can give right of entry to the UK.” She noted that the rule change will also affect many children of British citizens born in Spain who have never held a British passport but whose records will show as dual nationality at border control.

Children born abroad to British parents, who may have never held a British passport but are technically British citizens, face a new set of travel restrictions under the policy. This has caused anxiety among parents concerned about their children’s ability to travel to the UK for family visits, education, or emergencies.

Campaign groups have begun to speak out. The EU citizens’ campaign group The 3 million has called for a more accessible solution, advocating for a low-cost, one-off travel authorisation similar to the system used in Canada. Monique Hawkins, the group’s head of policy and advocacy, stated, “The UK already has the technology to do the same, so we urge them to act now to ensure British citizens are not locked out of their own country.”

For its part, the Home Office maintains that the changes are necessary for national security and border efficiency. The spokesperson emphasised that the digitisation programme would give the government “greater power to stop those who pose a threat from setting foot in the country and gives us a fuller picture of immigration.” Still, the policy has left many dual nationals feeling caught off guard and unfairly burdened, especially as the deadline looms and administrative backlogs persist.

Short-term visitors from visa-free countries—such as those from the United States or Australia—will also need to adapt, as they must now obtain an ETA for £16 before traveling. British citizens, however, cannot apply for an ETA, making the British passport or certificate of entitlement the only options for dual nationals.

As the February 25 deadline approaches, the British government faces mounting pressure to reconsider the rigidity and cost of the new requirements. The stories of affected individuals—parents worried about their children, professionals facing unexpected travel barriers, and long-term expatriates anxious about their legal status—underscore the real-world impact of what might otherwise seem like a bureaucratic adjustment. Whether the Home Office will heed calls for a more affordable and flexible solution remains to be seen, but for now, dual British nationals worldwide are being urged to check their documents and prepare for a new era in UK border control.

The coming weeks will reveal whether this overhaul delivers on its promise of seamless travel—or simply creates new obstacles for citizens whose ties to the UK remain strong, no matter where they call home.

Attacks by suspected terrorists may not be abating anytime soon as the hoodlums have started circulating warning letters to several communities in Kwara State.

Saturday PUNCH gathered that in the last six days, they had sent letters to four different communities, threatening to strike at any time.

Our correspondents learnt that on Thursday, a letter was dropped in Ira, a community linking Inaja and Aho towns in Oyun Local Government Area.

The terrorists had earlier sent a threat letter to Dunshigogo community in Kaiama LGA, a few days after the February 3 attack on Woro town, which left over 176 people dead and 38 abducted.

Residents flee after threat letter

Our correspondents gathered that residents of Ira, Inaja and Aho had started leaving their homes over the threat letters by the suspected terrorists.

A copy of one of the letters was signed by “The Writer (SANUFH).”

It read, “This message is from Nigeria Terrorist Association, NTA. Our motor: we kill, we kidnapping, and destroying. No town or place that is scared us to destroy… We search and gaddering information before we rade. We heared about this town Ira, you people strong, and have many powerful man to face our organisation. Be ready for us at any time any date, noting concern us about your oracle or powerful we left kaiama we move to Ira, Inaja, Aho and town around.”

The content of the letter, including grammar and structure, is retained for accuracy. The authenticity of the letter has not been ascertained by Saturday PUNCH.

Ira, a border town adjoining Ilemona, the headquarters of Oyun LGA, lies along a corridor linking several rural settlements considered vulnerable due to their proximity to forest belts.

A traditional chief in Ira, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to safety concerns, said the letter was dropped at a motorcycle park near the central mosque.

“The letter was seen around 2:30 pm to 3 pm. Two suspects on a bike dropped it at the okada riders’ park close to Ira Central Mosque. Initially, the riders thought it was a mistake and kept it for the men, but after reading it, they quickly took it to the king’s palace.

“Once the letter reached Kabiyesi, he informed security agencies. Around 5pm, DSS and police officers visited Inaja, Ira and Aho. Soldiers, police and NSCDC personnel are now patrolling the area,” he said.

The chief added that despite the security presence, fear had gripped the communities, prompting some residents to relocate temporarily.

“This is the first time we are witnessing something like this. People are afraid. Some have left for nearby towns because we don’t know what is coming. Our vigilantes are currently in Ilorin for forest guard training. We want the government to release them to return home to address this threat,” he said.

Monarch seeks intervention

The Oninaja of Inaja, Oba Wahab Oyetoro, told Saturday PUNCH that the letter heightened tension and forced some residents to flee.

“The letter was found in Ira on Thursday, and Oyun Local Government Chairman immediately called a security meeting of all traditional rulers to inform them and map out strategies to protect ourselves and our subjects. People are scared because of the massacre in Kaiama. Some residents have already left town to seek refuge in Offa and other neighbouring communities,” he said.

The monarch added that security agents, supported by vigilantes, had commenced patrols in the communities.

Speaking on the matter, the National Secretary of the Ira Descendants Union, Yekini Olarewaju, said the community had reached out to the government and security agencies for urgent intervention.

Describing the mood in the community, he said fear had gripped residents and disrupted normal activities.

“There is panic everywhere. People are afraid. Those who were supposed to go to their farms, especially those harvesting cashew, could not go. All schools, including primary and secondary, did not open today. People shut down their businesses.

“We have sought the help of the government. Security agencies such as the Navy, civil defence, the police, as well as soldiers stationed in Ilemona, a neighbouring community, have started patrolling the entire area.

“Our local vigilantes are also not sleeping. They have been combing the surrounding bushes since then,” he said.

An indigene of Ira who resides in Offa and spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said news of the letter spread rapidly on Thursday night.

“We received the news about a strange letter late on Thursday night, but we didn’t even know where it came from. In fact, some people and I were in Ira around 3pm yesterday (Thursday) and heard nothing.

“It was around 10 pm that my brother rushed from Ira to Offa to inform me. I was shocked. People from Lagos and even outside the country started calling me. One of my younger brothers, out of fear, asked me to relocate to Lagos, but I insisted on staying,” he added.

The man said many families had resorted to prayers while urging vigilance among their children.

“We just have to be prayerful. The letter has already sent shockwaves through the community, but people have nowhere else to go. Parents are warning their children not to move around at night. We have written to the government requesting assistance,” he said.

Police, DSS on red alert

The spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, Ejire Adetoun-Adeyemi, confirmed receipt of the letter.

“Our intelligence unit is currently investigating to ascertain its veracity and possible source. We have intensified patrols by deploying additional personnel, in collaboration with vigilantes, to identify the source of the letter. The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, has implored anyone with useful information to report to the nearest police division. He assures indigenes and residents of Kwara of the police resolve to protect lives and property,” she said.

Similarly, a senior DSS officer confirmed the development, stating, “We have received this letter, and we are working on it.”

A military source said the Nigerian Army’s Forward Operating Base in Ilemona had increased patrols across the threatened communities.

“The information has put all security agencies on operational alert. Meetings with local government authorities have been held to review strategies and ensure there is no infiltration,” the officer said.

LG chairman convenes emergency meeting

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Oyun LGA, Akanbi Olarewaju, convened an emergency security meeting on Friday at the council secretariat in Ilemona.

The meeting, attended by security agencies, traditional rulers and key stakeholders, was aimed at addressing the threats.

The Chief Press Secretary to the chairman, Owodunni Adekunle, said, “Although security agencies are still working to authenticate the source and credibility of the letter, the council considered it necessary to take proactive steps in the interest of public safety.

“We urge our people to remain calm, vigilant and report any strange movement or unfamiliar faces, not only in Ira and Aho/Inaja but across the entire Oyun Local Government. Community policing and timely information-sharing remain critical to preventing crime and averting possible security breaches.”