By Obinna Uballa
Nasir El-Rufai, former Kaduna State Governor, spent Monday night in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja, following hours of interrogation over an alleged N432 billion corruption scandal. The detention comes as the Department of State Services (DSS) continues investigations into separate security-related allegations.
El-Rufai, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), arrived at the EFCC’s Jabi headquarters around 10 a.m. on Monday in response to an official invitation. Multiple sources within the anti-graft agency confirmed that he was grilled over alleged financial improprieties during his 2015–2023 tenure, based on the 2024 Kaduna State House of Assembly report. The report accused his administration of misappropriating loans, awarding contracts without due process, and saddling the state with excessive debt.
A senior EFCC source told reporters, “The commission has been investigating him for about a year. Persons accused are only invited after advanced stages of investigation. He is still in custody and will not be released today.” EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale confirmed that El-Rufai honoured the invitation but declined to comment further on the interrogation.
The probe stems from allegations that El-Rufai’s administration siphoned about N423 billion in loans, with additional disputed transactions totaling over N1.5 billion, including funds earmarked for a light rail project. The Assembly recommended the prosecution of El-Rufai and several aides for abuse of office, reckless borrowing, and money laundering. While El-Rufai has consistently denied wrongdoing, Monday’s detention signals that anti-graft agencies have moved to active interrogation.
In a separate development, El-Rufai faces criminal charges for allegedly bugging the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu. The Federal Government filed a three-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja, citing the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The charges allege that El-Rufai admitted on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on February 13, 2026, to intercepting Ribadu’s phone communications and associating with individuals involved in the unlawful surveillance. The offences carry penalties including fines, imprisonment, and severe consequences for national security breaches. No arraignment date had been fixed at press time.
In addition to EFCC and cybercrime allegations, the DSS has reopened the investigation into the 2019 disappearance of Abubakar Idris, also known as Dadiyata, a lecturer at the Federal University Dutsinma, Katsina State. Security sources revealed that El-Rufai and his sons are being questioned in relation to the case. His passport was reportedly seized to prevent international travel during ongoing investigations.
The developments sparked street protests in both Abuja and Kaduna. In Abuja, hundreds under the Mega National Movement for Good Governance demanded a thorough investigation of the alleged N432 billion misappropriation. Protesters in Kaduna, led by the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, pressed the House of Assembly for updates on the legislative probe.
Human rights groups also weighed in, calling for accountability over alleged abuses during El-Rufai’s eight-year tenure. Professor Chidi Odinkalu, former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, urged comprehensive investigations and prosecutions where warranted, citing cases like the disappearance of Dadiyata and the killing of Dr. Maiwada Galadima.
Opposition parties criticized the handling of the case. The New Nigeria People’s Party spokesperson Ladipo Johnson suggested that the charges could escalate political drama ahead of the 2027 elections. Similarly, Labour Party Interim Chairman Senator Nenadi Usman said the Federal Government should have allowed El-Rufai to clarify his claims before filing charges.
President Bola Tinubu meanwhile praised NSA Ribadu, describing him as “honest, bold, courageous, and committed,” and vowed that together they would combat terrorism and banditry across the nation. The commendation came days after El-Rufai alleged that the Office of the National Security Adviser procured thallium sulphate without due process, a claim denied by the agency and referred to the DSS for investigation.
