By Muhammad Mamman
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai has launched a blistering attack on Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, accusing him of authorising arrests without due process and abusing the powers of his office.
Speaking during a public engagement, el-Rufai alleged that Ribadu routinely bypasses investigations, claiming he simply “picks his phone and calls any security outfit to arrest anybody”.
“Nobody is as wicked as Nuhu Ribadu in Tinubu’s administration,” el-Rufai said, in one of his strongest criticisms yet of President Bola Tinubu’s inner circle.
The remarks add to growing tensions within Nigeria’s political elite, as concerns mount over the conduct of security agencies and the shrinking space for dissent under the current administration.
El-Rufai, a key ally of Tinubu during the 2023 presidential campaign, did not provide specific examples to back his claims but warned that arbitrary arrests threaten democratic norms and the rule of law.
Ribadu, a former anti-corruption chief appointed National Security Adviser in June 2023, has yet to publicly respond to the allegations.
The presidency also remained silent on the comments at the time of publication.
Rights groups have repeatedly urged the Tinubu government to uphold due process and ensure security operations are guided by law, amid reports of politically motivated detentions and heavy-handed enforcement.
El-Rufai’s outburst is likely to intensify debate over accountability within Tinubu’s administration, already facing criticism over economic hardship, security challenges and internal party rifts.
