Former Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria, Akin Osuntokun, has cautioned former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, against what he described as “devious transferred aggression” toward the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Osuntokun characterised El-Rufai’s recent public comments about Ribadu as a “dangerous obsession” lacking factual basis.
“What is happening now on the part of El-Rufai is a devious transferred aggression and dangerous obsession with Ribadu,” he stated.
Osuntokun alleged that the former governor was attempting to divert attention from issues surrounding his administration in Kaduna State.
He accused El-Rufai of employing what he termed a “Goebbels-style strategy of muddying the waters” to confuse the public about allegations tied to his tenure.
The former presidential adviser on political affairs under Olusegun Obasanjo said he had known both men during their time in government and questioned attempts to link Ribadu to accusations facing El-Rufai.
“For instance, what has Ribadu got to do with a June 2024 report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly accusing his government of mismanaging ₦423.2 billion?” he asked.
Osuntokun noted that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had invited El-Rufai and several former officials for questioning over alleged financial misconduct amounting to about ₦432 billion.
The investigation is being conducted in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
He further accused El-Rufai of resorting to what he called “Kangaroo debate gimmickry” in a bid to gain public sympathy, alleging that the former governor was deliberately dragging Ribadu into controversy.
Quoting late Afrobeat icon Fela Kuti, Osuntokun likened the situation to a “roforofo fight,” suggesting that the public could struggle to distinguish the protagonists amid escalating rhetoric.
Meanwhile, El-Rufai reportedly honoured the EFCC invitation on Monday as part of ongoing probes.
The Federal Government has also filed a three-count charge against him at the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026.
Prosecutors allege that during a television appearance in Abuja, El-Rufai admitted to unlawfully intercepting Ribadu’s telephone communications.
The unfolding legal battle has heightened political tensions, with observers closely monitoring developments in what is fast becoming a high-stakes confrontation within Nigeria’s political landscape.