Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai remained in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for a second consecutive night on Tuesday as Nigeria’s anti-graft agency intensifies its probe into a major ₦432 billion corruption scandal dating to his tenure in office.
El-Rufai voluntarily reported to EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, early Monday morning following an official invitation over allegations of massive financial mismanagement, including loan irregularities, contract awards without due process, and steep increases in the state’s debt profile.
Sources within the EFCC told reporters that investigators are considering applying for a remand order to extend El-Rufai’s detention beyond the statutory 48-hour period.
The probe comes after findings by a Kaduna State House of Assembly ad hoc committee that accused the former governor’s administration (2015–2023) of misusing public funds and abusing office.
Legal Representation: El-Rufai’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate A.U. Mustapha (SAN), is actively seeking his release on bail while asserting cooperation with the investigation.
In a related development, the Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a three-count criminal charge against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting the communications of Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA).
The charges reference provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
El-Rufai admitted involvement in the unlawful interception during a television interview.
He failed to report that such acts were being committed.
The alleged interception compromised national security and public safety.
The dramatic turn of events has sparked intense reactions across the political spectrum:
Supporters have gathered around the EFCC office in Abuja, calling for due process.
Critics and civil society groups are demanding full accountability and transparency in the handling of the investigation.
So far, no court arraignment date has been scheduled on either the corruption probe or the DSS cybercrime charges.
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