Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has come under intense criticism following his claim that the phone of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, was secretly intercepted.
The allegation, made during an interview on Arise Television, has sparked calls for a formal investigation from political figures, presidential aides, and security experts.
El-Rufai’s Allegation on NSA Phone Interception
Speaking during the televised interview, El-Rufai claimed he became aware of an alleged plan to arrest him upon his return to Nigeria through information derived from what he described as a leaked conversation involving the NSA.
He suggested that the information was obtained after the NSA’s phone was allegedly tapped. Although he acknowledged that such interception would be technically illegal, he claimed that such practices were not uncommon in political circles.
The statement immediately generated controversy, with critics arguing that the claim amounts to an admission of unlawful surveillance.
Presidency Reacts, Demands Investigation
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, questioned whether El-Rufai or his associates possessed illegal surveillance capabilities. He insisted that the matter must be thoroughly investigated and that sanctions should follow if any wrongdoing is established.
Similarly, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, described the remarks as serious, stating that authorities could compel the former governor to disclose those responsible for the alleged interception.
Security Experts Raise National Security Concerns
A retired Director of the Department of State Services, Abdulrasaq Salami, described the allegation as extremely serious. According to him, if confirmed, intercepting the NSA’s communication would constitute a major breach of national security protocols.
He warned that compromising the communication of Nigeria’s top security policy official could expose sensitive operational plans and intelligence networks.
Salami recommended:
- Immediate forensic examination of potentially compromised devices
- A full integrity review involving intelligence and law enforcement agencies
- Assessment of possible damage to national security infrastructure
A retired senior military intelligence officer, who spoke anonymously, also cautioned that such a breach could affect Nigeria’s intelligence cooperation with foreign partners, potentially weakening trust and disrupting counter-insurgency collaboration.
Ganduje Demands Probe Over Dadiyata Allegation
The controversy deepened after former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, called for an investigation into separate allegations made by El-Rufai linking him to the disappearance of Kaduna-based activist Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata.
In a statement issued by former Kano Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Muhammad Garba, Ganduje dismissed the claims as reckless and unfounded.
The renewed accusations have reignited public debate over the long-standing disappearance of the activist, which previously generated controversy during El-Rufai’s tenure as Kaduna State governor.
Growing Calls for Formal Probe
Political observers say the situation raises broader questions about:
- Alleged unlawful surveillance capabilities
- Possible breaches of Nigeria’s national security framework
- Accountability for public disclosures involving sensitive intelligence matters
As pressure mounts, stakeholders are urging security agencies to clarify the claims and determine whether any laws were violated.
The unfolding controversy has intensified political tensions, with many awaiting an official response from the relevant authorities.
