Niger Delta coalition demands El-Rufai’s probe over phone tapping allegation
Reports alleging that the phone of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, was tapped have triggered concerns about possible implications for the country’s security architecture. A coalition of Niger Delta
Reports alleging that the phone of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, was tapped have triggered concerns about possible implications for the country’s security architecture.
A coalition of Niger Delta groups warned that any compromise of the NSA’s communication channels could weaken intelligence coordination and pose risks to national stability.
The coalition called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct an immediate investigation into former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over remarks suggesting a breach of national security.
According to the groups, El-Rufai stated during a national television interview that an individual tapped the NSA’s phone, enabling access to private conversations.
The groups described the statement as “deeply troubling” and “a direct assault on the integrity of Nigeria’s security architecture.”
They argued that if such interception occurred, it would amount to a serious criminal offense under Nigerian law, given the highly sensitive role of the Office of the National Security Adviser in coordinating intelligence and safeguarding the nation against internal and external threats.
In a joint statement, signatories Ifeanyi Blackson, Abbey Georgewill, Ediri Tare Ogheneovo, Nsika Okon Moses, Toritseju Menetie, and Akintoye Prince, each called for El-Rufai’s arrest and a comprehensive probe by security agencies.
Blackson said the alleged admission, if verified, represented “a grave violation of national security protocols” and called for El-Rufai to be immediately invited for questioning by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Georgewill stressed that no political ambition should override the sanctity of Nigeria’s intelligence institutions and urged the Federal Government to act decisively to reassure citizens that the nation’s security framework remained intact.
Ogheneovo described the development as “an alarming revelation,” insisting that any unauthorized interception of the NSA’s communication must attract swift legal consequences, regardless of status or influence.
Moses warned that the issue transcends partisan politics and cautioned that failure to investigate could set a dangerous precedent where sensitive state communications are treated casually.
Menetie called for transparency in the investigative process, stressing that Nigerians deserve clarity on whether such a breach occurred and who was responsible.
While Prince urged President Tinubu to demonstrate zero tolerance for any action capable of undermining national security institutions, stressing that accountability was essential to preserving public trust.
The coalition further called on security agencies, including the DSS and other relevant authorities, to launch a full-scale and independent investigation.
They insisted El-Rufai should provide detailed clarification, including the identity of the individual who allegedly carried out the phone interception and the circumstances under which the information was obtained.