By John Umeh
A fresh political controversy has erupted following allegations of illegal surveillance involving former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has demanded a full-scale investigation into comments made by El-Rufai during a televised interview.
The Allegation
Speaking on ARISE TV Prime Time, El-Rufai alleged that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, ordered his arrest following what he described as a failed attempt to detain him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
According to the former governor, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) allegedly used operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in what he termed an attempt to “abduct” him.
El-Rufai further claimed that he became aware of Ribadu’s alleged involvement because “we listened to their calls,” suggesting that he and his associates had the capability to intercept communications.
Onanuga’s Reaction
Reacting via a post on X, Onanuga described the statement as a public admission of unlawful wire-tapping. He questioned whether the former governor and his associates possess surveillance infrastructure capable of monitoring the National Security Adviser.
Onanuga insisted that such claims, if true, raise serious national security concerns and must be thoroughly investigated. He added that no individual, regardless of political stature, should be exempt from legal scrutiny.
Legal and Political Reactions
Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju weighed in on the unfolding controversy. Adeyanju dismissed suggestions of a dramatic arrest plot, arguing that Nigerian law provides clear procedures for lawful detention, including arrest warrants or probable cause under existing statutes.
He maintained that if authorities truly intended to detain El-Rufai, there are established legal channels to do so without resorting to questionable tactics.
A Growing Political Storm
The situation has added another layer to the already tense political climate, with questions now shifting from the alleged arrest attempt to the implications of El-Rufai’s surveillance remarks.
At the heart of the debate are two key issues: whether there was indeed an attempt to detain the former governor, and whether his claim about monitoring official communications amounts to a serious breach of national security laws.
As of now, no formal charges or investigative outcomes have been publicly announced, but the calls for inquiry suggest the controversy may be far from over.
