Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has spent a second night in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N432bn corruption probe, as his legal team intensifies efforts to secure his bail.
El-Rufai arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Monday at about 10 a.m. for questioning in connection with alleged financial misconduct during his tenure between 2015 and 2023. However, investigators detained him after hours of interrogation, with indications that the commission may seek a court-approved remand order to extend his stay beyond the constitutionally permitted timeframe.
An EFCC official, who spoke anonymously, disclosed that the anti-graft agency is considering a remand application to allow investigators conclude questioning linked to alleged loans, contracts, and financial transactions under El-Rufai’s administration.
Lawyer Insists on Bail, Denies Flight Risk
Speaking to journalists, El-Rufai’s counsel, A.U. Mustapha (SAN), confirmed that his client remains in custody but is fully cooperating with investigators.
He described the former governor as a responsible citizen who voluntarily honoured the EFCC invitation and is not a flight risk.
According to Mustapha, El-Rufai returned to Nigeria on his own and formally notified the commission of his intention to honour the invitation. He expressed optimism that bail would be granted soon, stressing that his client is presumed innocent under the law.
However, the lawyer declined to comment on the specific allegations, describing the matter as confidential and within the EFCC’s purview.
Kaduna Assembly Report Sparks Investigation
The EFCC probe stems from a 2024 report by an ad hoc committee of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which alleged that about N423bn was siphoned through loans and contracts during El-Rufai’s tenure. The committee recommended his investigation and prosecution over alleged abuse of office, diversion of public funds, money laundering, and reckless borrowing.
El-Rufai has consistently denied the allegations, describing the probe as politically motivated and insisting that all loans were properly utilised for infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security projects.
DSS Files Separate Cybercrime Charges
In a related development, the Department of State Services has filed criminal charges against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court, Abuja, over alleged unlawful interception of communications involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
The charges, filed under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, stem from comments allegedly made during a February 2026 appearance on Arise TV.
He is yet to be arraigned.
