…As ex-gov. faces ICPC summons
The Presidency has demanded a full-scale investigation into alleged wire-tapping claims made by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufa’i, even as he confirmed he would honour an invitation from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) following a dramatic airport standoff in Abuja.
The controversy erupted after el-Rufai, during an appearance on television, alleged that Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribaɗu, ordered his arrest. He further claimed that he was aware of the alleged directive because “we listened to their calls”, suggesting that communications had been intercepted.
Reacting to the statement, presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga described the remarks as a potential admission of illegal wire-tapping and called for immediate legal scrutiny. “El-Rufai confesses to wire-tapping Nigeria’s NSA on TV. Does it mean that he and his collaborators have wire-tapping facilities? This should be thoroughly investigated and punishment meted out. El-Rufai is not too big to face the wrath of the law,” Onanuga posted on X.
The Presidency stressed that no individual is above the law and insisted that the matter raises serious national security and legal concerns that must be thoroughly examined.
The wire-tapping claim followed a tense incident on Thursday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where security operatives allegedly attempted to detain el-Rufai upon his arrival from Cairo. El-Rufa’i later disclosed on X that the ICPC delivered an invitation letter shortly after what he described as a “failed attempt to abduct” him. He confirmed he would appear before the Commission on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
His media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, alleged that the operatives tried to arrest him without presenting a formal warrant and temporarily seized his international passport.
Counsel to the former governor, Ubong Akpan, condemned the action as unlawful and a breach of due process. He maintained that el-Rufa’i was willing to cooperate with lawful investigations, adding that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier invited him while he was abroad and that his legal team had already indicated his readiness to appear voluntarily upon his return.
The development has intensified political tensions, with reactions sharply divided. While the Presidency insists that the alleged wire-tapping confession warrants investigation and possible sanctions, critics of the attempted arrest argue that due process must be strictly observed.
Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju described the airport episode as “karma” catching up with el-Rufa’i, but questioned whether there was concrete evidence of a formal arrest plan. He noted that Nigerian law requires either a court-issued warrant or probable cause for a lawful arrest.
