SERAP Urges Tinubu to Halt Unconstitutional Phone Tapping

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has formally requested President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to cease the implementation of new phone tapping regulations, which they argue are unconstitutional. In a letter dated February 21, 2026, signed by SERAP's Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization highlighted that these regulations could infringe upon citizens' rights to privacy and freedom of expression.

SERAP's concerns were heightened following allegations that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai's phone conversations were intercepted by national security adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The organization criticized the 2019 regulations that allow for mass surveillance without adequate judicial oversight, warning that such measures could be weaponized against political opponents and civil society actors, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

SERAP has given the federal government seven days to act on their recommendations, threatening legal action if no response is received.