Alleged Wire-Tapping: El-Rufai Should Be Investigated, Punished — Onanuga
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has called for a thorough investigation into allegations of illegal wire-tapping reportedly raised by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
Onanuga stated that any claim suggesting unlawful surveillance must be properly examined by relevant security and law-enforcement agencies to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. He stressed that if the allegations are proven to be false or misleading, appropriate sanctions should be applied in line with the law.
The presidential aide said issues bordering on national security and intelligence operations should not be politicised, adding that public officials must exercise caution when making sensitive claims capable of causing public anxiety. According to him, Nigeria’s security framework operates within established legal guidelines, and any breach must be addressed through due process.
El-Rufai had earlier made remarks suggesting that certain individuals were being monitored, a statement that sparked reactions across political circles and raised concerns about privacy and the rule of law. While details of the alleged surveillance remain unclear, political observers say the controversy reflects growing tensions within the political landscape ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
Meanwhile, calls have intensified from civil society groups and political stakeholders for transparency, urging authorities to clarify whether any illegal interception of communications has taken place. Analysts note that an independent probe could help restore public confidence and prevent the issue from escalating into a wider political dispute.
Security agencies are yet to release an official statement on the matter as of press time.
