A former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has spent a second night in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as investigations continue into alleged financial misconduct.
Sources familiar with the development confirmed that the former governor, now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is still responding to questions from EFCC investigators following his appearance before the agency earlier this week.
He was reportedly detained after hours of interrogation linked to an ongoing probe into alleged missing funds amounting to ₦432 billion during his tenure as governor.
In addition to the financial investigation, El-Rufai is also expected to face criminal prosecution over allegations of illegally tapping the phone of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, unauthorised phone interception is a serious offence punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to ₦10 million, or both.
An EFCC source disclosed on Tuesday that the former governor would remain in detention pending further developments and may be granted administrative bail.
“As of now, he will remain with the commission tonight. I cannot confirm what happens tomorrow, but he is still with us,” the source said.
Another source indicated that El-Rufai has been allowed to observe his five daily prayers while in detention and to perform Taraweeh prayers ahead of the commencement of Ramadan.
Attempts to reach EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale for official comment were unsuccessful as of press time.
The investigation marks a significant development in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts and could lead to further legal action depending on the outcome of the probe.
