“El-Rufai not above law; should be probed, punished for tapping NSA Ribadu’s phone” — Presidency

The Presidency has called for an investigation into comments by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over claims that he had access to the telephone conversations of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

In an interview on Arise TV, El-Rufai said he and unnamed associates were aware of conversations involving Ribadu, alleging that an individual had tapped the NSA’s phone and relayed information to him.

Responding on Friday, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga described the remarks as a confession of unlawful conduct and urged authorities to act.

“This should be thoroughly investigated and punishment meted out,” Onanuga wrote on X, adding that El-Rufai is not above the law.

During the interview, El-Rufai recounted an encounter with operatives of the State Security Service at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. He alleged that Ribadu ordered his detention and said the information was obtained through intercepted communications.

When told that tapping the NSA’s phone would be illegal, El-Rufai acknowledged the point but alleged that government agencies routinely monitor calls without court authorisation. He maintained that a third party intercepted Ribadu’s conversation and passed the details to him.

The Presidency has not confirmed whether a formal probe has commenced.