The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday detained former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, at its headquarters in Abuja over an alleged N432 billion corruption case, while the Department of State Services placed him under separate investigation.
El-Rufai arrived at the EFCC office in Jabi around 10am in response to an invitation and was questioned for several hours before being held in custody. Sources within the commission said the interrogation followed a 2024 report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly which accused his administration of mismanaging loans, breaching contract procedures and leaving the state with heavy debts between 2015 and 2023.
The Assembly had set up an ad hoc committee to review financial records from his eight-year tenure. The committee later alleged that large sums from loans were not used for their stated purposes and recommended further investigation and prosecution of the former governor and some members of his cabinet. The lawmakers petitioned anti-graft agencies to take action.
El-Rufai has denied wrongdoing in the past, maintaining that all loans obtained during his administration were approved and used for projects in infrastructure, education, health and security. However, the EFCC moved ahead with questioning after reviewing the Assembly’s findings. As of late Monday, he remained in custody.
At the same time, the Federal Government filed criminal charges against him at the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged unlawful interception of the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. The charges were linked to statements El-Rufai made during a television interview in which he claimed he became aware of plans against him through a monitored call.
The three-count charge was filed under the Cybercrimes Act and the Nigerian Communications Act. Prosecutors alleged that he admitted knowledge of illegal interception of the NSA’s communications and failed to report it. The case also accused him and others of using technical means to access private communications in a manner that could threaten public safety. No date had been fixed for his arraignment at the time of filing.
In a related development, security sources disclosed that the DSS reopened investigations into the 2019 disappearance of Abubakar Idris, also known as Dadiyata, a lecturer who went missing in Kaduna. Investigators are said to be examining past events and social media posts linked to the period. El-Rufai has previously denied any connection to the case.
The unfolding events sparked protests in Abuja and Kaduna. In Abuja, a group gathered outside the EFCC headquarters demanding that the corruption allegations be pursued to a conclusion. Another group of supporters assembled nearby, calling for due process and fairness. In Kaduna, civil society organisations visited the State House of Assembly to seek updates on the probe that led to the petition against the former governor.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu, during a visit to Adamawa State, commended the National Security Adviser for his role in addressing security challenges. The commendation came days after El-Rufai wrote to the Office of the National Security Adviser requesting clarification over an alleged procurement of a toxic chemical, an allegation the office denied and referred to security agencies.
The former governor now faces investigations on multiple fronts, including financial allegations, cybercrime charges and renewed security inquiries. His continued detention and the court processes ahead are expected to shape the next phase of the legal battle as the country moves closer to another election season.
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