El-Rufai’s phone-tapping claim should be probed, he’s not above the law — Onanuga

he special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has urged authorities to launch a full investigation following Nasir el-Rufai’s revelation that he listened to an intercepted telephone conversation involving Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA).

In a post shared on X, Onanuga characterised el-Rufai’s statement as a confession and raised concerns over whether the former Kaduna governor and unnamed associates have access to wiretapping equipment.

“El-Rufai confesses to wire-tapping Nigeria’s NSA on TV. Does it mean that he and his collaborators have wire-tapping facilities?” Onanuga asked.

“This should be thoroughly investigated and punishment meted out. El-Rufai is not too big to face the wrath of the law.”

Speaking during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme, el-Rufai stated that “someone tapped” Ribadu’s phone, enabling him to hear a discussion in which the NSA allegedly “ordered” his arrest.

He admitted that the act was unlawful but argued that such practices are commonly carried out by the government without judicial approval.

“The government thinks they are the only ones that listen to calls but we also have our ways,” el-Rufai said.