…Says ex-Kaduna governor “confessed” on live TV, urges punishment
…Warns claim suggests existence of wire-tapping facilities, collaborators
The Presidency on Friday called for an investigation and possible prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over what it described as an open admission of illegal wire-tapping involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The call was made by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a post on his verified X handle.
Onanuga said remarks made by El-Rufai during a televised interview suggested that the former governor and unnamed collaborators might have access to wire-tapping capabilities — a situation he warned could carry serious national security implications if true.
“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,” Onanuga wrote.
The Presidency’s reaction followed comments by El-Rufai in an interview on Arise Television, where he alleged that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission had “procured” the Department of State Services to “abduct” him.
During the interview, El-Rufai claimed that the anti-corruption agency had become “a personal tool” of the NSA and asserted that Ribadu “made the call and ordered” his arrest.
When asked how he knew Ribadu had made such a call, El-Rufai said:
“He made the call, because we listen 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.”
Pressed further on whether Ribadu’s phone had been tapped, El-Rufai responded:
“Someone tapped his phone.”
When reminded that wire-tapping without legal authorisation is illegal, the former governor replied:
“I know, but the government does it all the time… they tap our calls all the time without a court order.”
Onanuga said the comments warranted scrutiny, arguing that beyond their political context, they raised concerns about the legality and security implications of alleged private surveillance activities targeting senior government officials.
Observers note that if substantiated, the claims could trigger broader questions about unlawful interception of communications and potential breaches of national security laws.
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