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.
