Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja over alleged corruption, while the Department of State Services (DSS) has filed separate cybercrime charges against him.
Sources within the anti-graft agency said late Monday that the former governor “has a lot to answer for” and is likely to remain in custody as investigators continue questioning him over allegations tied to his tenure between 2015 and 2023.
El-Rufai honoured an EFCC invitation on Monday morning and was taken in for interrogation at the commission’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja. Investigators are examining allegations of abuse of office, diversion of public funds and money laundering linked to loans and contracts awarded during his administration.
Probe linked to Kaduna Assembly report
A 2024 ad hoc committee set up by the Kaduna State House of Assembly had alleged that loans obtained under El-Rufai’s government were misapplied and due process was not followed in securing some facilities.
The committee claimed that about ₦423 billion was diverted and recommended his investigation and prosecution. El-Rufai has denied the allegations and previously challenged the findings.
Sources said the scale of interrogation may require a court-ordered remand to allow investigators more time to build a case.
DSS files cybercrime charges
Meanwhile, the DSS filed a three-count charge at the Federal High Court, Abuja, accusing El-Rufai of unlawfully intercepting the private phone communications of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
Court filings allege the former governor admitted during a live television interview that he and associates intercepted the NSA’s communications.
Authorities say the alleged act violates the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024 and the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, and poses risks to national security.
Possible arraignment, ICPC invitation
Judicial sources indicated he could be arraigned soon in connection with the cybercrime allegations. In a related development, El-Rufai confirmed he had also been invited by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and is expected to appear before the commission.
Political reactions and protests
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of persecuting El-Rufai, describing the investigations as distractions.
Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters gathered at the Kaduna State House of Assembly demanding updates on the legislative probe into the former governor’s administration and urging transparency and accountability.
Security agencies say investigations are ongoing and have assured the public that due process will be followed.
