FG Initiates Legal Action Against El-Rufai Over Alleged Phone Tapping of NSA Ribadu
The Federal Government has commenced legal proceedings against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following allegations that he gained access to a tapped telephone conversation involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The action comes after El-Rufai publicly claimed during a televised interview that he became aware of an alleged plan to arrest him through an intercepted call originating from the NSAโs phone. According to his account, unnamed individuals purportedly tapped the line and relayed the contents of the conversation to him, including instructions said to have been issued to security operatives to detain him upon arrival at Abuja airport.
Government prosecutors contend that such interception, if proven, constitutes a serious breach of Nigeriaโs Cybercrimes Act and telecommunications laws. Authorities further argue that unauthorized surveillance of a senior national security official poses grave risks to public safety and national security.
Officials also noted that failure to report individuals responsible for illegal interception may itself amount to a criminal offence. Legal experts have described the situation as unprecedented, emphasizing the sensitivity of communications involving the office of the National Security Adviser.
The development has sparked widespread political and legal reactions across the country, with calls for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged surveillance and the claims made by the former governor.
Observers say the case unfolds amid heightened political tensions between El-Rufai and the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding national security, stating that no individual is above the law.
