Niger Delta Groups Petition Tinubu, Demand Probe of El-Rufai Over Alleged NSA Phone-Tapping Claim

Tensions heightened on Friday as a coalition of Niger Delta advocacy groups called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order an immediate investigation into former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged remarks suggesting a breach of national security.

The coalition claimed that El-Rufai, during a national television interview, allegedly disclosed that an individual intercepted the phone communications of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, enabling private conversations to be monitored.

Describing the alleged statement as “deeply troubling” and “a direct assault on the integrity of Nigeria’s security architecture,” the groups argued that, if verified, such an interception would constitute a grave criminal offense under Nigerian law, given the sensitivity of communications linked to the Office of the National Security Adviser.

They stressed that the NSA’s office plays a central role in coordinating intelligence operations and safeguarding the country against internal and external threats, warning that any compromise of its communication channels could have far-reaching implications for national sovereignty and stability.

In a joint statement signed by Ifeanyi O. Blackson, Abbey Georgewill, Ediri Tare Ogheneovo, Nsika Okon Moses, Toritseju O. Menetie, and Akintoye Adedeji Prince, the coalition made individual calls for El-Rufai’s arrest and a comprehensive probe by security agencies.

Mallam Nasir El Rufai

Blackson described the alleged admission as “a grave violation of national security protocols,” urging the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately invite the former governor for questioning.

Georgewill maintained that no political interest should supersede the sanctity of Nigeria’s intelligence institutions, calling on the Federal Government to act decisively to reassure citizens that the nation’s security framework remains intact.

Ogheneovo labeled the development “an alarming revelation,” insisting that any unauthorized interception of the NSA’s communication must attract swift legal consequences, regardless of status.

Moses argued that the matter transcends partisan politics, warning that failure to investigate could set a dangerous precedent regarding the handling of sensitive state communications.

Menetie called for transparency in any investigative process, stressing that Nigerians deserve clarity on whether such a breach occurred and who may have been responsible.

Adedeji Prince, in his remarks, urged President Tinubu to demonstrate zero tolerance for actions capable of undermining national security institutions, emphasizing that accountability is vital to sustaining public trust.

The coalition further called on security agencies, including the DSS and other relevant authorities, to launch a full-scale, independent investigation. They also demanded that El-Rufai provide detailed clarification, including the identity of the individual allegedly involved in the interception and the circumstances surrounding the claim.

As of press time, there has been no official response from El-Rufai addressing the allegations, nor confirmation from federal authorities on whether a formal investigation has commenced.

The development has, however, sparked debate across political and civil society circles, with analysts warning that if not handled transparently and lawfully, the controversy could deepen political divisions at a time when national cohesion and security remain paramount.