N’Delta Coalition Calls for Immediate Arrest, Probe of El-Rufai Over NSA Phone Tapping Claim

A coalition of Niger Delta advocacy groups has called for a thorough investigation into former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai recent sensational claim that he intercepted the phone conversations of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The coalition urged President Bola Tinubu to order an immediate probe into the matter.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Warri, Delta State, the groups expressed serious concern over El-Rufai’s assertion, made during a national television interview, that he had accessed Ribadu’s private communications by having someone tap his phone.

El-Rufai reportedly claimed that through this interception, he was aware of an attempt to arrest him,(El-Rufai) allegedly ordered by the NSA himself.

The coalition described the claim as “deeply troubling” and “a direct threat to Nigeria’s security integrity,” emphasizing that such an act, if proven true, could constitute a grave breach of national security laws.

They warned that unauthorized interception of communications involving the NSA’s office would undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and threaten internal stability.

Signatories to the joint statement include prominent voices such as Ifeanyi O. Blackson, Abbey Georgewill, Ediri Tare Ogheneovo, Nsika Okon Moses, Toritseju O. Menetie, and Akintoye Adedeji Prince.

They called on security agencies, especially the Department of State Services (DSS), to launch an independent investigation into the matter and to invite El-Rufai for questioning.

Ifeanyi O. Blackson highlighted that if El-Rufai’s claims are verified, they represent “a serious violation of Nigeria’s national security protocols” and warrant immediate action. Abbey Georgewill emphasized that no political ambition should justify compromising Nigeria’s intelligence institutions, urging the government to act decisively to protect the integrity of national security.

Ediri Tare Ogheneovo described the revelation as “alarming,” warning that any breach of communication channels involving the NSA must attract swift legal consequences, regardless of the individual’s influence or position. Nsika Okon Moses warned that ignoring such allegations could set a dangerous precedent, undermining the sanctity of state secrets.

Toritseju O. Menetie called for transparency during any investigation, stressing that Nigerians deserve clarity on whether such a breach occurred and who was responsible. Akintoye Adedeji Prince urged President Tinubu to demonstrate zero tolerance for actions that threaten national security, emphasizing accountability as vital to maintaining public trust.

The coalition urged security agencies to conduct a comprehensive, independent investigation and demanded that El-Rufai clarify the details surrounding his claim—including the identity of the person involved in the alleged interception and how the information was obtained.

While no official statement has been issued by security agencies regarding El-Rufai’s remarks, the controversy has sparked widespread debate across political and civil society circles. Analysts warn that mishandling the issue could deepen political divisions, especially at a time when national unity and security are of utmost importance.