Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, improperly influences arrests and judicial processes
Speaking during an interview with DCL Hausa, El-Rufai claimed that Ribadu directs security agencies to arrest individuals without adequate investigation.
“Nuhu Ribadu just picks up his phone and calls any security outfit to arrest anybody without any form of investigation,” El-Rufai said.
He clarified that his allegations were not directed at President Bola Tinubu, stating, “I am not saying President Tinubu makes the call.”
According to the former governor, the NSA’s constitutional role is advisory rather than operational.
“It is not the NSA’s job to call the EFCC and direct them to arrest this person or that. His duty is to advise the President on security matters. If someone poses a security threat, the proper procedure is to inform the President, who may then order an investigation,” he stated.
El-Rufai further alleged that Ribadu interferes in judicial proceedings by influencing bail decisions, claiming the NSA discourages judges from granting bail to certain suspects.
Expressing disappointment, El-Rufai remarked, “I feel ashamed when I remember he was once my friend,” adding that he strongly disapproved of Ribadu’s actions.
The former governor also referenced the reported arrest of Bashir Jamoh, former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
“He is lying; they have not stopped. Even last week, they arrested Bashir Jamoh. What did he do?” El-Rufai questioned.
He alleged that Jamoh remains in detention, arguing that such detention would contravene constitutional provisions requiring suspects to be charged to court within a stipulated timeframe.
El-Rufai also expressed concern that he could face arrest, citing what he described as a pattern of actions by security authorities.
As of the time of this report, there has been no official response from the Office of the National Security Adviser or the ICPC regarding the claims.
