“We Tapped His Phone”: El-Rufai

ABUJA — The political cold war between former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and the Presidency has escalated into a national security scandal, after El-Rufai publicly admitted to intercepting the private communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the Oodua (South-West) and Northern political blocs, El-Rufai claimed on Friday night that he knew about the plan to arrest him at the Abuja airport because his team had successfully “tapped” the NSA’s line.

As the drama unfolds, security experts warn that El-Rufai’s admission of “wiretapping” the NSA could trigger a fresh, more severe criminal investigation, moving the case from corruption to treasonable felony.

The confession comes just 24 hours after a dramatic scene at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS)—allegedly acting on Ribadu’s orders—attempted to detain the former Minister upon his return from Cairo.

The “Spy” Confession

Speaking in a defiant interview on Arise TV, El-Rufai did not deny having prior knowledge of the ambush. Instead, he bragged about his counter-intelligence capabilities.

• The Quote: “Nuhu [Ribadu] made the call and gave the order that I must be in custody… He made the call because we listened to their calls. The government thinks they are the only ones who listen to calls, but we also have our ways. Someone tapped his phone and told me.”
• The Implication: This admission—that a private citizen is actively monitoring the nation’s security chief—has raised immediate legal and security questions.

Presidency Fights Back

The Presidency reacted swiftly to the “illegal” admission. Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media, slammed El-Rufai for confessing to a crime on national television. “El-Rufai admitted on national TV that someone tapped the phone of the NSA… When the interviewer interjected that it was illegal, El-Rufai agreed. By the time he is picked up to produce the person who illegally tapped the NSA’s phone, he will say President Tinubu is a ‘tyrant’ persecuting him.”

The “Parallel Lines” Feud

The clash has confirmed the total breakdown of the relationship between El-Rufai and President Tinubu. El-Rufai described himself and the President as “parallel lines that will never meet,” effectively declaring war ahead of the 2027 elections.

• The Allegation: He insists that the ICPC (Independent Corrupt Practices Commission) is being used as a “personal tool” by Ribadu to harass him, claiming the agency invited him for questioning only after the failed airport “abduction.”

What Next?

Despite the threats, El-Rufai has vowed to honor the invitations from the anti-graft agencies.

• Monday, Feb 16: He is scheduled to appear at the EFCC offices.
• Wednesday, Feb 18: He has confirmed he will report to the ICPC.

As the drama unfolds, security experts warn that El-Rufai’s admission of “wiretapping” the NSA could trigger a fresh, more severe criminal investigation, moving the case from corruption to treasonable felony.