Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, says a thorough investigation should be immediately launched into claims by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai that he accessed and intercepted a phone conversation of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Onanuga, in a post on X, said El-Rufai’s public disclosure was a confession, questioning whether the former governor and unnamed associates possess wire tapping capabilities.
“El-Rufai confesses to wire tapping Nigeria’s NSA on TV. Does it mean that he and his collaborators have wire tapping facilities?” Onanuga wrote.
The presidential spokesman stressed that the matter must be thoroughly investigated, saying no individual is above the law.
“This should be thoroughly investigated and punishment meted out. El-Rufai is not too big to face the wrath of the law,” he stated.
El-Rufai had made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television, where he claimed that “someone tapped” Ribadu’s phone, enabling him to listen to a conversation in which the NSA allegedly ordered his arrest.
He said he was nearly detained upon arriving at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after returning to the country.
According to the former governor, officers of the Department of State Services approached him at the airport but did not present a formal arrest warrant, letter of invitation, or court order.
However, he admitted the act was illegal but argued that the government routinely engages in similar practices without court authorisation.
“The government thinks they are the only ones that listen to calls but we also have our ways,” he said.
