By Paul Joseph
The Presidency has requested an investigation and potential prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, following what it termed an open admission of illegal wiretapping involving the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
This request was made by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, in a post on his verified X account, @aonanuga1956.
Onanuga stated that El-Rufai’s comments during a televised interview implied that he and unnamed associates might have access to wiretapping technology, warning that such capabilities in private hands could pose significant national security risks.
“El-Rufai admits to wiretapping Nigeria’s NSA on TV. Does this mean he and his associates possess wiretapping equipment? This needs to be thoroughly investigated and appropriate penalties applied. El-Rufai is not above the law,” the presidential spokesperson wrote.
The Presidency’s response came after El-Rufai’s remarks during an interview with Arise Television’s host, Mr. Charles Aniagolu, where the former governor claimed that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had “secured” the Department of State Services (DSS) to “abduct” him.
In the interview, El-Rufai alleged that the ICPC had become “a personal tool” for the NSA, asserting that Ribadu “made the call and ordered” his arrest.
When asked how he knew Ribadu had made such a call, El-Rufai responded, “He made the call because we listen to their calls. The government thinks they are the only ones who can listen to calls, but we have our methods. He made the call; he gave the order.”
When reminded that wiretapping is technically illegal, El-Rufai replied, “I know, but the government does it all the time… they tap our calls regularly without a court order.”
Onanuga’s call for action is supported by the fact that El-Rufai’s comments represent a clear admission of unlawful surveillance, suggesting that the former governor and those involved should be held accountable under the law.
This situation indicates that beyond the political implications of El-Rufai’s statements, there is a pressing concern regarding the security and legality of private surveillance operations allegedly targeting high-ranking state officials.
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