Niger Delta Coalition Demands Probe of El-Rufai Over Alleged NSA Phone Tapping Claim

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

According to the coalition, El-Rufai allegedly revealed during a national television interview that an individual tapped the phone of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and enabled him to listen to private conversations. The groups described the statement as “deeply troubling” and “a direct assault on the integrity of Nigeria’s security architecture.”

The coalition argued that if such an interception indeed occurred, it would amount to a serious criminal offense under Nigerian law, particularly given the sensitive nature of communications involving the Office of the National Security Adviser. They stressed that the NSA’s office is central to coordinating intelligence and safeguarding the nation against internal and external threats, and that any compromise of its communication channels could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s sovereignty and stability. In a joint statement, the signatories, Ifeanyi Blackson, Abbey Georgewill, Ediri Tare Ogheneovo, Nsika Okon Moses, Toritseju Menetie, and Akintoye Adedeji Prince, each made individual calls for El-Rufai’s arrest and a comprehensive probe by security agencies. Blackson stated that the alleged admission, if verified, represents “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).

On his part, Abbey Georgewill emphasized that no political ambition should override the sanctity of Nigeria’s intelligence institutions, urging the Federal Government to act decisively to reassure citizens that the nation’s security framework remains 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. Okon Moses argued that the issue transcends partisan politics, warning that failure to investigate could set a dangerous precedent where sensitive state communications are treated casually. Toritseju Menetie called for transparency in the investigative process, stressing that Nigerians deserve clarity on whether such a breach occurred and who was responsible. Also, Adedeji Prince urged President Tinubu to demonstrate zero tolerance for any action capable of undermining national security institutions, stating that accountability is 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 that 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. As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from El-Rufai addressing the coalition’s demand, nor has there been formal confirmation from federal authorities regarding whether an investigation has commenced. The development has sparked debate across political and civil society circles, with observers warning that if not handled transparently and lawfully, the issue could deepen political divisions at a time when national unity and security cohesion remain critical.