Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N432 billion corruption probe, in what analysts describe as one of Nigeria’s most consequential political and legal showdowns in recent years.
The former governor was reportedly held Monday night at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja after hours of interrogation linked to alleged financial mismanagement during his eight-year tenure from 2015 to 2023.
EFCC Interrogation Over Alleged N432bn Misappropriation
Sources within the anti-graft agency confirmed that El-Rufai honoured an invitation and arrived at the commission’s Jabi office around 10am but remained in custody late into the night.
The investigation stems from a 2024 report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which accused his administration of:
Misappropriating loans
Violating due process in contract awards
Inflating the state’s debt profile
Diverting public funds
According to the Assembly’s findings, approximately N423bn was allegedly siphoned, alongside disputed transactions including:
N155m in controversial cash payments
N1.37bn allegedly diverted from a light rail project
N64.8m allegedly laundered by senior aides
The Assembly petitioned both the EFCC and the ICPC, recommending prosecution.
However, El-Rufai has consistently denied wrongdoing, insisting that all loans were lawfully appropriated for infrastructure, education reforms, healthcare upgrades and security interventions.
FG Files Criminal Charges Over Alleged Ribadu Phone Interception
In a dramatic escalation, the Federal Government has filed a three-count charge against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged unlawful interception of the National Security Adviser’s phone communications.
The charges relate to statements he made during an appearance on Arise TV, where he claimed that he learned of an alleged plan to arrest him through intercepted communications.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, is central to the cybercrime allegations.
The charges were filed under:
Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024
Nigerian Communications Act, 2003
If convicted, penalties could include imprisonment and significant fines under Nigeria’s cybercrime laws.
Legal observers note that unauthorised phone interception in Nigeria carries penalties ranging from two to 10 years imprisonment, depending on the offence.
DSS Reopens Dadiyata Case
In a parallel development, the Department of State Services (DSS) has reopened investigations into the 2019 disappearance of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata.
Security sources indicate that El-Rufai and his sons may be questioned as part of renewed inquiries into the missing lecturer’s case.
Reports also suggest that the DSS seized El-Rufai’s passport at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to prevent foreign travel while investigations continue.
El-Rufai has repeatedly denied any involvement in the disappearance.
Protests Erupt in Abuja and Kaduna
The unfolding crisis triggered protests in both Abuja and Kaduna.
In Abuja, demonstrators gathered outside EFCC headquarters demanding accountability, while supporters of El-Rufai staged solidarity protests.
In Kaduna, civil society groups marched to the State House of Assembly seeking updates on the legislative probe.
Human rights advocates, including former National Human Rights Commission chairman Chidi Odinkalu, called for thorough and independent investigations.
Political Tensions Rise Ahead of 2027
The controversy has drawn reactions from opposition figures who questioned the timing of the charges, suggesting political undertones as Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 election cycle.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu publicly praised Ribadu during a visit to Adamawa State, describing him as “honest, bold, courageous and committed” in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
The Office of the National Security Adviser has also denied allegations raised by El-Rufai regarding the procurement of a toxic chemical substance.
What This Means for Nigeria’s Political Landscape
The convergence of:
EFCC detention
Federal cybercrime charges
DSS investigation
Legislative corruption probe
Street protests
…marks one of the most significant legal battles involving a former governor in recent Nigerian history.
Whether the case evolves into a landmark anti-corruption prosecution or fuels claims of political persecution will ultimately be decided in court.
For now, El-Rufai remains in EFCC custody as Nigeria watches closely.
