SERAP Warns Tinubu Against Unlawful Phone Tapping

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) issued a strong warning to President Bola Tinubu regarding the "unlawful" mass phone tapping system in Nigeria. In a letter dated February 21, 2026, SERAP urged Tinubu to instruct Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, to immediately withdraw the 2019 regulation that permits mass phone interception.

SERAP claims this regulation is unconstitutional and violates Nigerians' rights to privacy and freedom of expression. The letter follows allegations that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai's phone conversations were intercepted, reportedly at the behest of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

SERAP criticized the 2019 regulation for enabling broad surveillance without proper judicial oversight, warning that such unchecked powers could be abused, especially with the upcoming 2027 general elections. The organization demands that the government act within seven days or face legal action, emphasizing the need for transparency and safeguards in any future interception framework.