Former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode has accused ex-Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai of posing a threat to Nigeria’s national security, following comments El-Rufai recently made about the country’s security leadership.
In a lengthy public statement, Fani-Kayode reacted to remarks attributed to El-Rufai during a television interview, in which the former governor allegedly claimed he had access to sensitive communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and suggested that the NSA’s office imported dangerous chemical substances into Nigeria. El-Rufai also reportedly alleged a conspiracy involving Ribadu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani to politically destroy him.
Fani-Kayode, who said he has longstanding personal and political ties with all three men dating back to the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, said the allegations were grave and damaging, and went beyond acceptable political disagreement.
He argued that any claim of bugging the NSA’s phone or exchanging information with non-state actors, if true, would amount to a serious breach of national security. He further described El-Rufai’s comments as reckless and dangerous, insisting that such matters should be addressed through legal and security institutions rather than media platforms.
Fani-Kayode also revisited past controversies linked to El-Rufai’s tenure as Kaduna governor, including allegations of human rights abuses, sectarian violence, suppression of critics, and inflammatory public statements. He stressed that these claims, which El-Rufai has previously denied or contested, form part of the reason security agencies are justified in scrutinising his actions.
In contrast, Fani-Kayode defended Ribadu’s record in public service, citing his background, experience and previous role as chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and described him as disciplined, discreet and loyal to the presidency.
He concluded by urging el-Rufai to submit himself to due process, avoid what he called “inflammatory rhetoric,” and allow the law to take its course, noting that investigations, arrests and detentions are not unusual in Nigerian political life.
Neither el-Rufai, Ribadu nor the Kaduna State Government has formally responded to Fani-Kayode’s latest comments at the time of reporting.