Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has been taken into custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) shortly after his release by the EFCC, intensifying ongoing investigations surrounding alleged cybercrime and unlawful interception of communications.
Sources confirmed that El-Rufai was released by the EFCC late Wednesday after being questioned since Monday at its Abuja headquarters. However, ICPC operatives reportedly moved swiftly to take him in for further grilling.
Federal Government Files Cybercrime Charges
Earlier this week, the Federal Government filed three criminal charges against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court, Abuja, under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The charges, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, stem from comments he allegedly made during an appearance on Arise TV, where he claimed knowledge of intercepted phone conversations involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
According to the charge sheet, El-Rufai allegedly admitted that he and unnamed associates intercepted the NSA’s phone communications — an offence punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes Act. Additional counts accuse him of failing to report the unlawful interception and of using technical equipment to carry out the act in Abuja.
During the televised interview, he stated: “The government thinks they are the only ones who listen to calls. But we also have our ways.”
DSS Probe and Dadiyata Investigation Reopened
Separately, the Department of State Services (DSS) has reopened investigations into the 2019 disappearance of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, a lecturer at Federal University Dutsinma.
Security sources revealed that El-Rufai’s passport was recently seized at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to prevent foreign travel, while investigators also examine social media posts linked to his sons.
The unfolding developments signal deepening legal and political scrutiny surrounding the former governor.
