Exclusive: El-Rufai Admits Listening to Allegedly Tapped Call Involving NSA Nuhu Ribadu, Sparks Legal and Political Debate
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Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, investigative Journalist at Sele Media Africa.
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has publicly acknowledged accessing an intercepted telephone conversation allegedly involving Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, in which the latter purportedly discussed plans for his arrest. Speaking during an interview on Prime Time, a flagship programme on Arise Television, el-Rufai stated that “someone tapped” Ribadu’s phone and relayed the contents of the call to him. He claimed the conversation included instructions to security operatives to effect his arrest. “El-Rufai made the call because we listened to their calls,” the former governor said, alleging that the government routinely monitors the communications of political figures without court authorization. “The government thinks they are the only ones that listen to calls but we also have our ways. He made the call and gave the order. ”When pressed during the broadcast about the legality of the act, el-Rufai conceded that such interception was unlawful but argued that similar practices were widespread. The remarks have ignited fresh debate about surveillance, executive power, and the rule of law in Nigeria.Presidency responds the comments drew a swift reaction from Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity to Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Ajayi said el-Rufai had admitted on national television that a phone belonging to the NSA was tapped on his behalf. He further argued that if security agencies were to investigate the alleged interception, el-Rufai might frame such action as political persecution. “By the time he is picked up to produce the person who illegally tapped the NSA’s phone, he would say President Tinubu is a ‘tyrant’ and persecuting him,” Ajayi wrote.Legal and Political implications under Nigerian law, unauthorized interception of private communications is prohibited, except under strict judicial authorization. Legal analysts note that admissions of illegal surveillance—whether by state or non-state actors—raise serious constitutional and criminal concerns. The public exchange between two high-profile figures underscores escalating tensions within Nigeria’s political establishment, particularly among key actors in the current administration and former allies.While no formal charges or investigations have been publicly announced as of press time, the development has triggered widespread public discourse about privacy rights, intelligence oversight, and the boundaries of political rivalry. Broader context El-Rufai, once considered a close ally of President Tinubu, has in recent months become increasingly vocal in his criticism of elements within the federal government. His latest remarks add a new dimension to ongoing political realignments ahead of Nigeria’s evolving governance and security debates. Media outlets including The Cable, Premium Times, Channels Television, and Arise News have reported on the interview and subsequent reaction from the presidency, reflecting the national significance of the issue. As Nigeria grapples with complex security challenges, the controversy also highlights the urgent need for transparent legal frameworks governing surveillance and intelligence operations—ensuring national security objectives do not undermine constitutional safeguards. Sources: The Cable; Premium Times; Channels Television; Arise News.
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