Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has alleged that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, ordered security operatives to arrest him and claimed the NSA’s phone conversation was intercepted.
Speaking during a television interview, El-Rufai linked the alleged plot to the recent incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where he said security agents attempted to detain him shortly after his return to the country.
He claimed he overheard a tapped call in which Ribadu allegedly directed officials to arrest him, though no evidence was provided to substantiate the allegation.
There has also been no official response from the NSA as of the time of reporting.
The former governor further alleged a coordinated effort involving the Kaduna State governor and the leadership of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to abduct him, claims that have intensified political tensions.
A presidential aide, however, criticised El-Rufai’s assertions, warning that admitting to listening to an intercepted call could itself raise legal concerns.
Despite the controversy, El-Rufai said he remains willing to honour invitations from anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, insisting he has nothing to hide regarding his time in office.
He also denied involvement in the 2019 disappearance of social media commentator Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, and described recent political attacks against him as motivated by internal party disagreements within the ruling All Progressives Congress.
