Tinubu Threatened with Legal Action to Stop ‘Unlawful’ Mass Phone Tapping

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a strong warning to President Bola Tinubu over what it described as an unlawful system of mass phone interception in Nigeria.

The rights group urged the President to instruct the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, to immediately withdraw the Lawful Interception of Communications Regulations, 2019.

SERAP said the regulations are unconstitutional and violate Nigerians’ rights to privacy and freedom of expression.

In a letter dated February 21, 2026, SERAP demanded a transparent and inclusive legislative process to create any future interception framework.
The group said such a law must respect constitutional safeguards, judicial oversight, and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.

The letter followed claims by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, that his phone conversation was intercepted.

El-Rufai alleged that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, had his call tapped.

El-Rufai reportedly said, “The NSA’s call was tapped. They do that to our calls too, and we heard him saying they should arrest me.”

SERAP blamed the 2019 regulations for enabling what it called a sweeping surveillance system.

It stated that the rules allow authorities to intercept communications using broad terms such as “national security,” “economic wellbeing,” and “public emergency,” without proper judicial control or independent monitoring.

According to the organisation, the regulations give excessive powers to security agencies without clarity or limits.

It warned that such powers can easily be abused, especially as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

SERAP said unchecked surveillance could be used against political opponents, journalists, civil society groups, and election observers.

It noted that fear of being monitored could silence political organising, investigative journalism, and voter mobilisation.

The group stressed that free and fair elections depend on confidential communication and protected sources.
It added that misuse of intercepted data for intimidation or political advantage would damage Nigeria’s democratic process.

SERAP warned that interception powers must be narrowly defined and subject to prior judicial approval.
It said without strong safeguards, the regulations threaten privacy rights and public trust in democracy.

The organisation gave the Federal Government seven days to act on its demands.
It said failure to do so would lead to legal action in the public interest.

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter.
“If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest,” the letter said.

SERAP also raised concerns about the storage of intercepted communications for up to three years.

It criticised provisions that allow disclosure of encryption keys and emergency interception without court warrants.

The group argued that Nigerians cannot clearly know which agencies are authorised to intercept their communications.

It said this creates uncertainty and opens the door to abuse and arbitrary actions.

In conclusion, SERAP maintained that while the government has a duty to tackle crime and protect national security, such efforts must respect constitutional and human rights limits.

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