The Presidency has called for a thorough investigation and punishment in response to comments made by former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai about his claim of listening to telephone communications involving Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, said on Friday.

El-Rufai’s remarks were made during an interview aired on Arise TV in which he recounted an episode at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and said he and unnamed associates listened to calls attributed to NSA Ribadu after a third party allegedly intercepted the communications.

He acknowledged that interception of phone communications is technically unlawful but claimed such surveillance was widespread.

In response, Onanuga described the former governor’s comments as a “confession” and questioned whether El-Rufai and others had access to wire-tapping facilities.

He said the claims raise national security concerns and must be examined by relevant authorities.

In his post on X, Onanuga asked: “El-Rufai confesses to wire-tapping Nigeria’s NSA on TV. Does it mean that he and his collaborators have wire-tapping facilities?”

He said the matter should be “thoroughly investigated and punishment meted out,” adding that El-Rufai is not “too big to face the wrath of the law.”

The presidential spokesman said the suggestion that the NSA’s phone communications were intercepted carries serious implications and must not be treated lightly.

El-Rufai claimed during the TV interview that Ribadu had authorised an attempt to detain him, and that his team was aware of the plan because they had listened to the phone calls.

He said: “The government thinks they are the only ones that listen to calls, but we also have our ways.”

Onanuga wrote on X: “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.”

El-Rufai said during the interview: “But someone tapped his phone and told us that he gave the order… The government thinks they are the only ones that listen to calls, but we also have our ways.”

The call from the Presidency for law enforcement agencies to examine El-Rufai’s statements underscores concerns about surveillance practices, privacy rights and the legality of intelligence gathering in Nigeria.

The issue has drawn public attention amid broader national discussions on accountability and the rule of law.