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The Presidency has reacted angrily after former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, claimed he had access to the phone conversations of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The administration of President Bola Tinubu said the allegation will be investigated and warned that anyone found guilty will face punishment under the law.
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, made this known on Friday in a post on X shortly after El-Rufai’s interview on Arise TV.
Onanuga wrote that El-Rufai had openly confessed on television to wire-tapping the NSA. He questioned whether the former governor and his associates operate illegal surveillance equipment.
“This should be thoroughly investigated and punishment meted out. El-Rufai is not too big to face the wrath of the law,” Onanuga stated.
El-Rufai’s Claim
During the interview, El-Rufai alleged that he and some others were able to listen to Ribadu’s phone calls. He said someone tapped the NSA’s phone and passed the information to him.
According to him, Ribadu allegedly ordered that he should be taken into custody. El-Rufai said he knew about the instruction because they listened to the call.
He made the remarks while narrating his encounter with operatives of the State Security Service at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
When reminded that tapping phone calls is illegal, El-Rufai admitted it was unlawful. However, he accused the government of also listening to citizens’ calls without court orders.
Possible Legal Action
Illegal wire-tapping is a serious offence under Nigerian law. The Presidency’s reaction suggests that security agencies may now review the comments and determine if an crime was committed.
As of press time, El-Rufai has not issued any further clarification.
The development adds to the rising political tension between the former Kaduna governor and the current administration.
