El-Rufai Accuses NSA of Directing EFCC Arrests

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on February 11, 2026, alleged that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has been directing security agencies to carry out arrests without proper investigations.

He made the claim during an interview with DCL Hausa while speaking on recent actions by anti-graft agencies and security bodies in Nigeria.

El-Rufai said the NSA goes beyond his official role by allegedly calling agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to order the arrest of certain individuals.

According to him, the responsibility of the National Security Adviser is to advise the President on security matters and not to instruct agencies on whom to detain.

He added that if anyone poses a security risk, the proper step should be to inform the President, who would then order an investigation.

He also alleged that Ribadu interferes in court matters. El-Rufai claimed that the NSA contacts judges and influences decisions relating to bail for suspects.

He said some of those detained were not properly investigated before their arrest.
The former governor denied that President Bola Tinubu personally orders the arrests.

However, he described Ribadu as the most unfair official in the current administration and expressed regret over their past friendship.

El-Rufai referred to the reported arrest of former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Bashir Jamoh, by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission in Kaduna State.

He questioned the reason for Jamoh’s arrest and claimed that the former NIMASA boss remains in custody.
He argued that keeping a suspect in detention beyond 48 hours without taking the person to court goes against the Nigerian Constitution. El-Rufai maintained that such actions raise concerns about due process.
The former governor also said he fears he could be arrested soon, though he did not give details about why he thinks he may be targeted.
The allegations have not received an official response from the Office of the National Security Adviser at the time of filing this report.