A major political and security crisis has been ignited by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who publicly claimed that he and unnamed associates had access to intercepted phone conversations involving National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu. The revelation has immediately triggered calls for an investigation at the highest levels of government and has cast doubt on the very integrity of Nigeria’s security architecture.
During an appearance on an African television program, El-Rufai detailed an alleged attempt by security forces to detain him at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. In the course of the interview, the former governor asserted that he had learned of the impending arrest through information derived from an intercepted phone call involving the NSA. When pressed on the legality of such actions, El-Rufai acknowledged that unauthorized wiretapping is illegal but suggested that such practices are commonplace within government circles. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, described El-Rufai’s statements as “deeply disturbing and potentially compromising.” In an official statement, Onanuga emphasized: “If El-Rufai benefited from an illegal interception of NSA communications, this matter cannot be treated lightly.” Citing strict legal provisions, Onanuga stated that Nigerian law – particularly the Cybercrime Act of 2015 and other telecommunications regulations – explicitly prohibits the unauthorized interception of personal communications, carrying severe criminal penalties. Even the possession or dissemination of illegally obtained material falls under criminal statute.
Security experts point out that the implications of the incident could be far-reaching. The position of National Security Adviser is one of the most critical in the state, as its holder coordinates intelligence and security strategy across all law enforcement and defense agencies. Unauthorized access to the NSA’s communications, if confirmed, would fundamentally compromise the nation’s security foundations.