CSOs Demand Immediate Arrest of Nasir El-Rufai Over Alleged Phone Tapping of NSA

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A coalition of civil society and public interest organisations under the aegis of the Campaign for Sustainable Democracy and Rights (CSDR) has called for the immediate arrest, investigation and prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasir El-Rufai, over what it described as a self-confessed act of illegal phone tapping and subversion of national security.

In a press statement issued on Sunday, February 15, 2026, and signed by coalition convener Nelson Ekujumi and co-convener Shola Omolola, the group expressed “shock, anger, pain and trauma” over what it alleged was El-Rufai’s admission during a national television programme that he and others illegally listened to the phone conversations of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, while the latter was discharging his official duties.

The coalition described the alleged action as a violation of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015 and a breach of national security.

“We are shocked and traumatised by the self-confession on a national TV programme of Mr. El-Rufai to this act of criminality and subversion of national security,” the statement read.

Constitutional and Legal Provisions Cited

The group cited Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantees the privacy of citizens, their homes, correspondence, telephone conversations and telegraphic communications.

It also referenced Section 45 of the Constitution, which allows restrictions on privacy rights only through laws that are “reasonably justifiable in a democratic society” for reasons of defence, public safety, public order or protection of the rights of others.

According to the coalition, under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, authorised agencies — including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the State Security Service and the Nigeria Police Force — must obtain a warrant from a judge of the Federal High Court before intercepting communications. Exceptions, it noted, apply only in urgent situations such as threats to life or national security, and must be regularised within 48 hours.

The statement further cited Section 39 of the Cybercrimes Act 2015, which authorises law enforcement agencies to compel service providers to intercept or collect communications where there are reasonable grounds to suspect criminal activity. It stressed that unauthorised interception of electronic communications constitutes a criminal offence punishable by fines and/or imprisonment.

Call for Arrest and Investigation

The coalition questioned the legal basis upon which El-Rufai allegedly derived the authority to intercept the NSA’s communications.

“Where in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended did Mr. Nasir El-Rufai derive the powers to commit cybercrime and subvert national security?” the group asked, calling for his immediate arrest to name those allegedly involved and face prosecution in accordance with the law.

It further argued that a thorough investigation could help address broader security concerns, suggesting that any illegal interception and potential leakage of sensitive security information may have worsened the country’s ongoing challenges with terrorism and banditry.

The coalition urged relevant law enforcement agencies to act swiftly, insisting that Nigeria must demonstrate that no individual is above the law.